Man charged in 'violent' distraction theft of elderly woman's jewelry
The 35-year-old accused is believed to be part of 'a criminal network of foreign nationals' operating in York Region
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A 35-year-old “foreign national” has been arrested but his two alleged accomplices are still sought for a violent jewelry distraction robbery in Richmond Hill last month.
York Regional police say officers responded to a collision in a plaza parking lot near Yonge St. and Canyon Hill Ave. – north of Elgin Rd. E. – where a pedestrian was injured on July 15.
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“Upon arrival, officers determined that the 78-year-old female had been subjected to a violent jewelry distraction robbery,” Sgt. Lisa Moskaluk said in a statement released Friday.
Investigators have now released video of the three alleged thieves driving off in a white 2024 Nissan Rogue after knocking the senior citizen down with the vehicle and nearly running her over.
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The footage also captured a witness rushing to the elderly woman’s aid as one of the alleged thieves sitting in the backseat pokes their head out a window on the passenger side and glances briefly at the fallen senior.
The trio of suspected crooks then callously pulled away, fleeing the scene before cops arrived.
Through investigation, Moskaluk said a suspect was identified as the driver of the vehicle.
Radu Oracel, 35, of Toronto, is now charged with robbery and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.
“Two additional suspects, a male and a female who were also in the vehicle, have not yet been identified,” Moskaluk said. “The rental vehicle they were using has since been returned.”
“Investigators believe Oracel is part of a criminal network of foreign nationals operating in York Region with the primary intention of committing crimes,” she added.
Out of concern for the possibility of other alleged victims who have yet to come forward, police have released a photo of the accused man.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation, including the identities or whereabouts of the other man and woman in the Nissan Rogue, is urged to call police at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7244, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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