A Hamilton business owner foiled a robbery after being alerted in a group chat by another store owner who had just been targeted by the same suspects. The suspects were later apprehended by the police. The community’s collective efforts were crucial in ensuring the safety of residents. CP24 reported
A Hamilton business owner successfully stopped a robbery after being alerted by another store owner in a group chat. The incident took place on Thursday morning at KC Convenience in the Parkdale Avenue North and Roxborough Avenue area. Four individuals wearing masks entered the store with a knife, demanding items from the owner. However, they left empty-handed and escaped in a stolen white Honda van.
The quick-thinking business owner immediately contacted the police and used a group chat with other local business owners to inform them about the incident. This turned out to be crucial, as the same four suspects later targeted the Big Bee convenience store on Barton Street East, which was approximately four kilometers away from the initial scene.
Upon seeing the suspects, the employee at Big Bee promptly secured the door, preventing them from entering. Frustrated, the suspects then fled to the Wholesale Club, where they attempted to rob someone’s vehicle in the parking lot. Fortunately, their robbery attempt failed, and they drove away in their van.
During their getaway, the suspects collided with another vehicle at the intersection of Nash Road North and Barton Street East. Following the collision, the four suspects fled the scene but were quickly apprehended by the police.
The identities of the suspects have been revealed as 18-year-old Veron Francois from Brampton, 18-year-old Takai Glen from Etobicoke, a 16-year-old boy from Toronto, and another 16-year-old boy from Etobicoke. The two underage suspects have not been named due to the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Francois and Glen are facing multiple charges, including robbery with intent, disguise with intent, robbery with violence, and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000. The two 16-year-olds are charged with robbery with intent, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, disguise with intent, and robbery with violence under the Youth Peer Court. Additionally, the teen from Toronto faces an extra charge of failing to comply with a release order.
The police commended the collective efforts of the community in ensuring the successful capture of these individuals and safeguarding the residents’ safety and well-being.
Anyone with information related to these incidents is urged to contact the Hamilton police, Crime Stoppers anonymously, or visit the Crime Stoppers Hamilton website.
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