Suspects sought in recent swarmings

(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service Robbery Unit is investigating a series of recent swarmings in the same area. Investigators are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspects responsible, and want to make nearby residents aware.

On August 10, 2016, at approximately 9:30 pm, a female victim was walking along pathway between Albion Road/Lorry Greenberg Drive. Near Lorry Greenberg Drive, the victim became aware of a male walking behind her. When she moved over to allow the male to pass, he stopped and made a demand for the victim’s backpack. A second suspect then also approached, brandishing a knife. The suspects fled with a small quantity of cash. There were no injuries.

On August 11, 2016, at approximately 9:20 pm, a female jogger was travelling along the same pathway, closer to Albion Road. She came upon three males wearing bandanas, one armed with a knife and a second possibly armed with a handgun. One of the suspects demanded her property and the victim turned over a cellular phone. The suspects then fled toward Cahill Dr. There were no injuries.

During the course of investigating this robbery, two additional victims contacted Police. This robbery took place a short time before or after the aforementioned incident. A male and female couple was walking along the same pathway when three male suspects jumped out of some hedges. One suspect was seen to be carrying a handgun and a second a knife. The suspects also wore bandanas. The suspect(s) indicated they needed money for their sick family and that no one would be hurt. When no money was available, the suspect(s) demanded the female victim’s necklace. There were no injuries.

Descriptors of the three suspects vary. They are believed to be either black or of middle-eastern descent, 15-20 years of age, with slim builds and varying heights.

This pathway is bordered by trees and bushes, and lower lighting levels provide adequate conditions for suspects to conceal themselves once dark. Extra vigilance is warranted as these investigations progress.

Safety tips related to swarming may be found on the Ottawa Police website

Anyone with information regarding these robberies, or any other robbery, is asked to call the Ottawa Police’s Robbery Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5116. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or by downloading the Ottawa Police app.

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