Two northern Ontario suspects are accused of stealing a toy gun from a dollar store and using it in an armed robbery earlier this month, Ontario Provincial Police say.
While investigating the March 6 armed robbery at a gas station on Government Road East in Kapuskasing, officers discovered the pair also allegedly shoplifted an imitation weapon on Cain Avenue an hour prior.
Around 10 p.m. that evening, a man bundled up in winter gear held up the gas station attendant with what looked like a small firearm, demanding everything in the cash register.
“Although only one suspect physically entered the gas station, both were involved in the incident and have been charged accordingly,” Const. Kyler Brouwer told CTVNewsNorthernOntario.ca in an email.
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Two male suspects were arrested Wednesday, nearly three weeks after the two incidents, and are both charged with shoplifting and robbery with a weapon.
A 37-year-old man, who was arrested at a Riverside Drive business, is also charged with carrying a concealed weapon, possession of an imitation weapon for a dangerous purpose and disguise with intent.
The other suspect,36, was arrested after a search of an O’Brien Avenue home. He is also charged with failing to comply with a probation order.
“During the search, police seized evidence linked to the robbery, including a black balaclava, gloves, sunglasses, a reusable bag, a toy cap gun, a winter coat and boots,” OPP said.
Both men were held in custody and were scheduled to appear in court Wednesday.
