Police have arrested six people and are searching for six more after a daytime robbery at a GTA jewelry store.
Footage of the brazen heist at Lukrook Jewelry in Markham’s Markville Mall shows 10 young men smashing windows and cases with hammers before making off with the merchandise.
Police encountered several suspects after an alleged getaway vehicle got into an accident.
“As officers were close to arriving at the scene, it was reported that a white Honda Civic, believed to be one of the suspect vehicles, rear-ended another vehicle at the intersection of McCowan Road and Highway 7,” a York Regional Police press release said. “Multiple occupants fled from the vehicle, and officers engaged in a brief foot pursuit.”
York Regional Police have charged several suspects with robbery with an offensive weapon, wearing a disguise with the intent to commit a crime, and possession of stolen property over $5,000.
According to the police report, four suspects were “quickly” taken into custody, and two more were arrested after they were found hiding in a local Tim Horton’s washroom.
Four of the six people charged were out on bail, police said. Three of those, two 16-year-old males and a 15-year-old male from Toronto, can’t be named due to the Youth Criminal Justice Act. The other is a 19-year-old from Toronto.
The other two arrested were a 19-year-old from Mississauga and a 17-year-old from Toronto.
Police said occupants of the get-away Honda Civic vehicle were rear-ended and “sustained minor injuries” and were transported to a local hospital “as a precaution.” According to police, the car was stolen last month.
Police believe a beige SUV was the second suspect vehicle involved in the incident.
“Investigators are currently seeking at least six additional male suspects, four of which were directly involved in the robbery and at least two acting as getaway drivers,” the police report said. “The investigation is ongoing.”
YRP ask anyone with information to call its Hold-Up Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6630 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Anonymous tips can also be submitted at 1800222tips.com