Five individuals, including two teenagers, have been charged following a bold robbery at a jewelry store within the Oshawa Centre on Sunday afternoon, as confirmed by the police. The incident took place at approximately 3:45 p.m., with Durham police responding to a call regarding a robbery at Bellagio Jewellers II located in the mall at 419 King Street W.
According to authorities, four individuals entered the store, deploying bear spray and shattering display cases, while a fifth person waited in a getaway vehicle outside the premises. Upon police arrival, the suspects attempted to flee, resulting in the apprehension of two inside the mall. The remaining two suspects managed to reach the vehicle but were later involved in a minor collision at Stevenson Road N. and King Street W.
Although the other suspects initially evaded capture, they were eventually apprehended with the assistance of police canines. Several videos circulating on social media captured the aftermath of the incident, depicting a bystander restraining an individual inside the mall and police officers, along with a dog, pursuing two individuals in a parking lot.
Medical attention was required for minor injuries caused by the bear spray, as evident in background noises from social media recordings. Oshawa fire department was also present at the scene to aid in ventilating the affected area. The charges, including robbery and possession of property obtained through crime exceeding $5000, have been leveled against three adults, a 15-year-old, and a 17-year-old. Additionally, the 15-year-old faces a charge related to administering a harmful substance. All involved parties were detained for a bail hearing.