A 31-year-old man has been charged with 14 counts of mischief endangering life after he allegedly stole parts from a dozen parked vehicles in Mississauga between November and December.
Police say that the suspect removed the rear differential plates from Dodge and GMC pick-up trucks that were parked in the area of Mississauga Road and Highway 401.
According to police, the removal of a rear differential plate is particularly dangerous because it results in in the draining of fluid from the compartment which lubricates the gears and powers the axels of the vehicle.
“When not lubricated, the gears can overheat and seize without warning causing serious safety risks to the occupants of the vehicles,” police said in a press release.
Police say the suspect targeted vehicles in large lots, including car pool and transit lots and hotel parking lots.
Michael Pizzardi was arrested on Tuesday.
