Charges laid in retail robberies

(Ottawa) The Ottawa Police Service Robbery Unit has laid a number of charges in relation to a series of three recent retail robberies.

On August 5, 2014, at approximately 1:05 am, a lone male suspect entered a convenience store situated along the 1000 block of Merivale Rd. The suspect threatened the clerk and made a demand for cash. The suspect fled the premises with an undisclosed but small quantity of cash and also cigarettes.

On August 11, 2014, at approximately 9:35pm, the same suspect entered a gas station kiosk situated along the 1300 block of Prince of Wales Dr. The suspect rushed the employee and made a demand for cash and cigarettes. The suspect fled the premises with an undisclosed quantity of both and also the employee’s phone.

On August 13, 2014, at approximately 6:50 pm, the same suspect entered a gas station kiosk situated along the 1800 block of Bank St. The suspect rushed the employee on entering and demanded cash and cigarettes. The suspect fled the premises with an undisclosed quantity of both.

There were no injuries in any of the robberies.

On August 18, 2014, charges were laid and an arrest warrant obtained for Bruno CARUSO, age 35 of Ottawa. He has been charged with three counts of robbery, three counts of wearing a disguise, and one count of breach of recognizance. CARUSO is in custody in Gatineau and will be returned to Ottawa at a later date.

Anyone with information with respect to these robberies, or any other robbery, is asked to contact the Robbery Unit at 613-236-1222 ext. 5116 or Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477 (TIPS) or toll free at 1-800-222-8477.

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