Organized vehicle theft involving a tow-truck – three men arrested, a fourth suspect wanted

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, May 17, 2024    1:10 pm

(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service West Criminal Investigation Section has laid several charges against four province of Quebec residents involved in organized auto thefts.

In February 2024, police responded to the area of Isabella and Elgin Streets for a suspicious incident where the caller suspected their vehicle was being stolen. The caller observed their vehicle, which had been parked on the street, being hooked up to a tow-truck.

Police attended the area and located a white unmarked tow-truck and pulled it over. The driver was arrested, and the police investigation continued.

The tow-truck driver was linked to an organized auto theft group from the Montreal area. This specific group’s modus operandi was to use an unmarked white tow-truck to steal vehicles from public locations, some in broad daylight. This group was also responsible for stealing a front-end loader.

There are five separate investigations ongoing in Ottawa which involve this driver and his accomplices; investigators believe there could be others incidents.

Marc-Antoine MESSIER, 22-years-old, of Delson Quebec, has been charged with:

• Conspiracy to commit an indictable offence x4,
• Theft of a motor vehicle x3,
• Attempted theft of a motor vehicle x2. 

Nathane PELLERIN, 23-years old, of Les Cedres Quebec, has been charged with:

• Conspiracy to commit an indictable offence x2,
• Theft of a motor vehicle,
• Attempted theft of a motor vehicle.

Felix PROULX, 24-years-old, of Les Cedres Quebec, has been charged with:

• Conspiracy to commit an indictable offence,
• Theft of a motor vehicle.

Jeremy MAJOR, 23-years-old, of Salaberry-De-Valleyfield Quebec, has been charged with:

• Conspiracy to commit an indictable offence,
• Theft of a motor vehicle.

MAJOR remains outstanding at this time; a First Instance Warrant has been issued for his arrest.

He is described as a white male with a large build, short dark hair, dark facial hair, and has been seen wearing glasses.

The three men that have been apprehended will all appear in court at a later date.

Anyone with information in relation to these incidents or something similar, or have information on the current whereabouts of MAJOR is asked to contact the lead investigating officer at 613-236-1222 extension 8934.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca.

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366