Chatham-Kent, Ontario: On August 16, 2024, at 12:50 p.m., police responded to a robbery at a bank on Lacroix Street in Chatham. Officers learned the man entered the bank wearing a surgical mask and demanded a specific amount of money from a teller. The teller complied and the man fled with the cash.
A thorough investigation was initiated involving Community Patrol Officers, the Criminal Investigation Branch, and the Forensic Unit with assistance from the Ontario Provincial Police.
On August 19, 2024, at 1:45 p.m., police responded to another robbery at a business on Richmond Street in Chatham. The man walked into the business wearing a storm trooper mask and demanded money from the employees. After a short interaction, the man left empty handed.
Officers quickly attended the area and located the man walking a short distance away.
The utilization of CCTV footage, surveillance cameras, and witness statements allowed the Chatham-Kent Police Service to effectively link both robbery incidents to the same individual.
The 49-year-old man was arrested and transported to police headquarters, where he was held pending a bail hearing. He has been charged with disguise with intent to commit a criminal offence and two counts of robbery.
