Man arrested after carjackers allegedly used look-alike police vehicle

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An alleged carjacker faces charges after thugs used a look-alike unmarked police car in an attempt to steal a vehicle.

Officers were called around 11:45 p.m. on June 9 about a trio of bandits who tried to steal a vehicle at gunpoint in Pickering’s Taunton-New Whites Rds. area.

The victim was driving eastbound on Taunton Rd. when a pickup truck pulled up behind his vehicle and activated flashing lights, which appeared to those of an unmarked police car, according to Durham Regional Police. A second vehicle also allegedly approached with activated flashing lights.

Three men, including one believed to be armed, came up to the the victim’s vehicle. They tried to enter the vehicle, but victim didn’t believe the men were police officers and fled the area.

The incident is “obviously alarming,” as the carjackers were convincing enough to convince the driver to pull over, said Durham Sgt. Joanne Bortoluss. “It is pretty dangerous. We have put out the message on our uniforms and what people should look for.”

Jalani Groves, 21, of no fixed address has been charged with robbery, and fail to comply with release order.

This investigation is ongoing, and two suspects remain outstanding.