Two Robberies Result in Multiple Criminal Charges for London Man

On Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at approximately 5:35 p.m., a lone male entered the Petro-Canada Gas Bar located at 614 Fanshawe Park Road East. The male was in possession of a handgun and demanded money from the cashier. The male fled the area on foot with an undisclosed amount of Canadian Currency.

At approximately 7:00 p.m. the same date, a lone male entered the FreshCo located at 645 Commissioners Road East. The male was in possession of a handgun at the time, and demanded money from the cashier. The male suspect did not obtain any money at this location. A number of by-standers assisted in detaining the suspect, and were able to remove the handgun from his possession prior to police arrival. Through investigation, it was determined that the handgun that was in the possession of the suspect was an imitation firearm (pellet gun).

Officers attended the scene and arrested 44-year-old Stephen Hilliard of London. It was determined that Hilliard was responsible for both robberies and was charged with the following Criminal Code of Canada offences:

– Armed robbery, contrary to section 343(d);

– Robbery assault with intent to steal, contrary to section 343(c);

– Five counts of using an imitation firearm during the commission of an indictable offence, contrary to section 85(2)(a);

– Two counts of carrying a concealed weapon, contrary to section 90(1); and

– Two counts of assault with a weapon, contrary to section 267(a).

No one sustained any injuries as a result of these robberies.

While we are thankful that by-standers were able to assist in the apprehension of the suspect in these matters, we want to take this opportunity to remind the citizens of London, that when they approach an individual known to be in possession of a weapon, they are placing themselves in danger and are reminded instead to go to a place of safety and contact 9-1-1 immediately.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to call the London Police Service at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent in on-line anonymously to www.londoncrimestoppers.com.

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