Robbery – Man Armed with Knife Arrested

Brantford Police arrest an armed robbery suspect inside Shoppers Drug Mart

On January 27, 2016 at approximately 11:55 p.m. the accused armed with a knife attended the Shoppers Drug Mart on Colborne Street West. The accused was wearing a disguise and walked directly to the rear pharmacy section and approached two employees there.

The accused while holding a knife demanded an employee to open the safe or he would stab her. The accused grabbed a large amount of narcotics.

While this was taking place another employee who was also present inside the store had locked themselves in another room and dialed 9-1-1 relaying to police dispatchers that there was a robbery in progress and employees were being held at knife point.

A uniform officer approached the front of the store and while peaking in the store front window observed a man standing at the cash register appeared to be waiting to purchase an item. The citizen did not realize the events which were unfolding at the rear of the store.

The officer could not see any employees while scanning the inside of the store and he attempted to draw the citizen’s attention to leave the store.

At this time the accused had finished collecting the narcotics and the officer observed the accused who was wearing a black fabric covering his face walking towards the front of the store. The accused spotted the officer and immediately turned around and started running towards the rear of the store where the pharmacy was located. The officer fearing for the safety of all persons inside the store ran inside in pursuit of the accused. The accused rounded an aisle and changed directions up another aisle at the store and began running back towards the front door. A Detective from the Street Crimes Unit had also made his way inside the store and was able to position himself between the front door and the accused path. The Detective could see the accused rounding a corner of an aisle and begin running towards him and the front door. The accused appeared to be holding a knife in one hand and a backpack in the other. The Detective issued commands for the accused to stop and get on the ground. The accused stopped and dropped the knife and backpack on the ground, while the other officer placed the accused on his stomach. A brief struggle ensued while the accused was on the ground and the accused was eventually handcuffed and taken into custody. No victims were physically hurt. The knife and backpack containing a large amount of narcotics were recovered.

The accused a 26 year old Hannon, Ontario man is charged with Robbery and Disguise with Intent.

The accused was held in custody for a bail hearing.

Citizens are reminded to cooperate with suspects should they find themselves the victim of a robbery. Try to get the best description possible and call 9-1-1 immediately. Always be aware of persons and/or vehicles and never hesitate to call police if you are suspicious of any activity. For more Crime Prevention tips please scroll down.

Public Safety in Partnership with our Community”

Crime Prevention Tips – Robbery

Stay alert and know who is in your business and where they are. Watch for customers who hang around the store without buying anything. Be aware of suspicious activity outside of your store. If in doubt call police!

Make it a habit of greeting customers when they enter your business

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