In an unusual arrest, a nearly naked man was apprehended with a loaded handgun as police cracked down on an organized crime ring responsible for over $1.5 million in high-end vehicle thefts across Toronto and Peel Region. The operation, part of investigations dubbed Project Chicago and Project Blue Streak, targeted at least 13 nighttime break-ins over the summer, leading to multiple arrests.
During one arrest, police footage captured a suspect attempting to flee by jumping out of a window dressed only in his underwear, but he fell face-first and was taken into custody. The suspect was carrying a loaded firearm, which was later discovered to have been converted to fire fully automatic rounds, with a high-capacity 9mm drum magazine also found.
Three individuals have been charged in connection to the thefts and break-ins. Cody Watts, 22, of Toronto, faces charges including possession of property obtained by crime and possession of a loaded prohibited firearm. Brandyn Hunter, 28, of Toronto, and Savannah Chaves, 24, of Cambridge, have also been charged with possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm.
Police continue to investigate and expect more arrests as the operation unfolds. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Peel Regional Police or Crime Stoppers, where anonymous tips could lead to a $2,000 reward.