More charges after $2M in bank robberies, suspect outstanding: OPP
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A fifth suspect has been arrested in connection with in a string of bank robberies across the province and the Greater Toronto Area that has seen more than $2 million in cash stolen.
Ontario Provincial Police say the eight heists happened between Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022, and Saturday, March 16, 2024, in jurisdictions policed by OPP, Barrie Police, Belleville Police, Durham Regional Police, Niagara Regional Police and York Regional Police.
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While each police service initially investigated their respective incidents, the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch assumed a coordinating role in August 2023 after investigators identified “consistent patterns suggesting the involvement of a single group of suspects,” the OPP said in a news release issued on Friday.
Investigators involved in what has been dubbed Project Opal said that in each robbery, two or three individuals entered the bank shortly before closing. The bandits wore different disguises during each incident and brandished at least one handgun.
In the last six robberies, police said bank employees were bound.
Investigators believe the group has been responsible for more than $2 million in reported losses in eight heists. The stolen funds have not yet been recovered.
“Project Opal required extensive coordination across multiple police services to identify and apprehend the suspects before they could target another bank,” OPP Deputy Commissioner Marty Kearns said. “Through their tireless work, they were able to ensure no other victim had to endure the fear and trauma of such an ordeal.”
One year ago, June 21, three suspects were arrested during an attempted robbery in Field, Ont., by the OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit and the OPP Aviation Unit, with help from West Nipissing OPP’s Crime Unit and the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch.
A fourth suspect was arrested in Vaughan on Sept. 25, 2024.
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On Friday, the OPP said a fifth suspect has now been arrested in relation to robberies in Barrie and Newmarket.
Roderick Newman, 33, of Cobourg, is charged with two counts of robbery with a restricted or prohibited weapon.
An additional suspect, Akeem Williams, 33, of Ajax, is still sought by cops.
Anyone with information is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
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