Police say five youths have been charged after brazen daytime behavior. robbery at a jewelry store in Barrie Mall last week.
Barrie police were called to the Georgian Mall shortly before 2.30pm on December 19 after receiving multiple reports of a robbery outside the food court.
Witnesses told police that five suspects were breaking windows and spraying an unknown substance into the air.
Investigators say the suspects fled the store with an unknown amount of jewelry.
One of them, a 14-year-old boy from Toronto, was detained by off-duty police officers and arrested at the scene.
The other four suspects fled in a vehicle that was reported stolen in Toronto, police said. Ontario Provincial Police later spotted the vehicle in the town of Essa, but officers did not stop it.
The vehicle was later found in a ditch and two suspects, including a 15-year-old boy from Toronto and a 14-year-old boy from Brampton, were arrested around 3:30 p.m.
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After searching the area, police located and arrested the final two suspects, a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old from Brampton, at approximately 4:30 p.m.
All five youths face numerous charges, including robbery with violence, disguise with intent, use of a noxious substance, assault with a weapon, dangerous weapon, mischief over $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
Police say one suspect is also charged with possession of a prohibited weapon and another is charged with eluding a peace officer.
Several people at the mall were treated by paramedics after being exposed to pepper spray allegedly used during the robbery.
Police say there is no evidence that a firearm was used.
A backpack containing numerous pieces of jewelry was discovered.
“The Barrie Police Service would like to thank our Barrie community and everyone who assisted us Friday afternoon,” Police Chief Rich Johnston said in a statement.
“From the mall patrons who calmly evacuated, to the officers on duty at the scene and the OPP who located and arrested the remaining suspects, we are committed to keeping our community safe.”
All five suspects were detained at bail hearings.
Police say the 17-year-old Brampton suspect has been released and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.
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