Suspect impersonating cop arrested after break-in

An Oshawa man is facing several charges after a north Whitby home was broken into by a man claiming to be a police officer.

According to police, a male suspect gained entry to a residence in the area of Watford Street and Carnwith Drive East at approximately 3 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 7 after using a ladder to enter through a second floor window. Wearing a face covering and body armour, the suspect pointed an imitation firearm at two people sleeping in the room at the time, claiming to be a Durham police officer.

The victims fled the room and went into another bedroom, where two other residents were sleeping, with the suspect following them. The victims were soon able to get outside and yelled for help. As the suspect followed outside, two male victims were able to take control of him. The suspect was taken into custody once the real police arrived.

The suspect was later taken to hospital for injuries sustained during the citizen arrest.

Investigators say this was not a random incident.

A 26-year-old male of Cedar Street in Oshawa has been charged with one count each of break and enter with intent, use of an imitation firearm in the commission of an offence, possession of a weapon for dangerous purposes, personation of a peace officer and disguise with intent, four counts each of pointing a firearm and forcible confinement and five counts of failure to comply with a recognizance.