Three men have been arrested and charged after police found two stolen tractor-trailers loaded with frozen chicken in Markham and Vaughan on Monday.

York Regional Police say officers were on routine patrol in the area of Bur Oak Avenue and Highway 48 when they spotted a tractor-trailer parked in a parking lot. The vehicle bore similar characteristics to a big-rig that was reported stolen.

As officers approached the vehicle, three men got out and fled the scene on foot.

One of the men was taken into custody and the other two managed to get away.

The tractor-trailer and its cargo of frozen fowl were seized.

That same afternoon, officers were called to Highway 400 south of King Vaughan Road for a report of a second tractor trailer carrying frozen chicken that was stolen from a nearby parking lot.

Police came across the tractor-trailer driving in the area of Kirby and Weston roads and tried to pull it over but driver refused to stop.

The officers did not pursue the vehicle as it would have been unsafe, police said.

The truck then struck a car in the area of Major Mackenzie Drive East and Weston Road and continued into a residential neighbourhood.

Officers found the tractor trailer abandoned on Blaine Court.

The York Regional Police helicopter, Air2, and canine units were sent to the scene to locate the suspects.

One suspect, the stolen truck’s driver, was found after allegedly breaking into a nearby home. Police allege he was under the influence of a drug at the time.

Another suspect was arrested a short distance away.

A suspect identified as Varinder Dhillon, 41, of Caledon, was charged with theft of a motor vehicle, possession of property obtained by crime and obstructing a police officer.

A second suspect identified as Ranjit Singh, 36, of Toronto faces charges incluuding dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, break and enter, heroin possession, flight from police and impaired operation of a motor vehicle.

A third suspect identified as Gurdeep Merwar, 32, of Brampton was charged with obstructing a peace officer, possession of property obtained by crime and failure to comply with undertaking.

Anyone with information is asked to call investigators at 1-866-876-5423, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).