Four male youths are facing a total of 24 charges after police investigation into four recent robberies and a traffic stop. Three of the accused were arrested in that traffic stop, which also yielded weapons (bear spray) and led to the arrest of the fourth accused individual.
- On October 24, 2021, in the 100 block of Brotherton Avenue, two male youths robbed a male of a cellular device. One of the suspects pointed what appeared to be a firearm at the victim.
- On November 1, 2021, again in the 100 block of Brotherton Avenue, two male youths robbed two males of a Playstation 5. Both males were assaulted and threatened with what appeared to be a canister of bear spray. The description of one of the males matched that of a suspect in the October 24th
- On November 2, 2021, police were dispatched to a business in the 2000 block of East Victoria Street for report of a robbery that had occurred earlier on Brotherton Avenue. Two males had gone to that location to sell a “Louis Vuitton” belt. Instead, they were robbed and bear-sprayed by three males. Once again, there were similarities in the suspect descriptions.
- On November 2, 2021, police were dispatched to a robbery at a residence on Centennial Street. A female who was selling a PlayStation 5 system was the victim of a robbery. The victim was assaulted by two male suspects, who grabbed the system, but the victim managed to hold onto the console and screamed loudly for help. The suspects got away with part of the gaming system.
The opportunity for each of these robberies came out of communication through online marketplace platforms. It’s alleged the suspects would arrange to buy items offered for sale, and would set up a meeting, but would then rob the sellers. Through investigation, police identified potential suspects and, on November 3rd, conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on College Avenue at Toronto Street. A search of two backpacks yielded canisters of bear spray. Three males were arrested out of the vehicle and a short while later, a fourth suspect was arrested from a Regina residence. Upon further investigation, all four youths were charged in connection with the robberies.
None of the youths can be named in accordance with the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Accused #1 is charged with: Robbery [344(1)(b) CC]; and Use of an Imitation Firearm in the Commission of an Offence [85(1)(a) CC].
Accused #2 is charged with: 4 X Robbery [344(1)(b) CC]; 3 X Wearing Disguise with Intent [351(2) CC]; 2 X Assault with a Weapon [267(a) CC]; Use of an Imitation Firearm in the Commission of an Offence [85(1)(a) CC]; Carrying a Concealed Weapon [90 CC]; and Possession of a Weapon Dangerous to Public Peace [88 CC].
Accused #3 is charged with: Robbery [344(1)(b) CC]; and Wearing Disguise with Intent [351(2) CC].
Accused #4 is charged with: 3 X Robbery [344(1)(b) CC]; 2 X Wearing Disguise with Intent [351(2) CC]; 2 X Assault with a Weapon [267(a) CC]; and Possession of a Weapon Dangerous to Public Peace [88 CC].
All four accused persons made their first court appearances on these charges in Youth Court at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 4, 2021.