Man facing charges after allegedly stealing car with dog inside in Toronto

A 39-year-old man is facing charges after allegedly stealing a vehicle with a dog inside it in Toronto on Wednesday.

Roxy, a four-year-old chocolate Labrador, was in the Jeep Grand Cherokee that was taken from the Bloor Street West and The East Mall area in Etobicoke at around 8:50 a.m.

The driver, Josh Miller, told CTV News Toronto he was dropping his daughter off at middle school when the carjacking happened.

The car was later located that night in Brampton, near Hurontario Street and Mayfield Road, but the dog was not.

Police released new images of the dog and suspect believed to be involved in the theft on Thursday in an effort to locate them.

In an update, police confirmed to CP24 that both Roxy and the suspect had been located.

“We got a tip here at Toronto police about the suspect and Roxy being at a residence in Brampton,” Const. Stephanie Miceli said. “That information was shared with Peel police, and they had their central robbery unit respond to that address where Roxy was located, and the suspect was taken into custody.”

In a release issued Thursday night, police charged Alliston resident Wayne Russel with robbery, possession of property obtained by crime and failure to comply with probation order. The charges have not been tested in court.

The family says they are feeling relief after Roxy’s safe return home.

“You know what, she might have had a good time. She’s a dog, she might have thought she was on an adventure,” Miller said Thursday.

“She’s going to get lots of treats. She’s already getting lots of love from the family.”

Police are asking anyone with additional information to contact them at 416-808-7350 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.