UPDATE, July 7:
Late Thursday evening, the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury issued a statement from Deputy Mayor Raj Sandhu on behalf of council in response to the incident in which store owner and Councillor Peter Dykie was pistol-whipped.
“I was devastated to learn about the attempted robbery and assault that took place at Bradford Jewellery,” Sandhu said in the statement.
Dykie is safely recovering at home, according to Sandhu, who said Dykie and his family appreciate the concern and support shown by the community.
“This brazen attack has left many residents, fellow business owners, and Peter’s family and friends shaken. I encourage the public’s assistance, support, and co-operation as South Simcoe Police conduct their investigation,” Sandhu said.
Police described the suspects as:
- Suspect No. 1: Male, Black — late teens to early 20s, tall, approximately 6 feet in height, thin build, wearing a black balaclava style mask, black pants and a black sweater, with a red circular logo.
- Suspect No. 2: Male, Black — late teens to early 20s, average height, approximately 5 feet 7 inches, medium build, wearing a black balaclava style mask, wearing a half black/half white Nike tech fleece sweater, black sweatpants, possibly a red reusable bag.
- Suspect No. 3: Male, Black — early 20s, average height, approximately 5 feet 10 inches, wearing a black balaclava style mask, black clothing.
Investigators are appealing to anyone with information, security camera or dashcamera footage, to contact Acting Sergeant Andrew Smith at 905-775-3311, 705-436-2141, extension #1043, [email protected], or Detective Constable Dan Raymond at 905-775-3311, 705-436-2141, extension #1027, [email protected], or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477).
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A longtime Bradford councillor was allegedly assaulted during a brazen attempted break-in at his jewelry store earlier today.
There was an increased police presence on Barrie Street and Holland Street East in Bradford Thursday afternoon as South Simcoe Police responded to the robbery attempt at Bradford Jewellery.
Store owner and Councillor Peter Dykie was allegedly pistol-whipped in the incident when three suspects attempted, but failed to break the store’s display cases with hammers.
Dykie’s son, Justin Dykie, also works at the store but was taking his brother to Vaughan at the time of the incident; however, he was also speaking with his dad over the phone when everything happened at about 4:15 p.m.
“All I hear was a bang sound and my dad screaming, ‘Stop! Stop! Stop! Get out of the store!’” Justin said.
He recalled there was a brief period where he could no longer hear his father and instead it was just the sound of banging.
“Then all the sudden, I hear him say ‘Get out of the store.’ They left the store and my dad was saying ‘Call 911,’ so then we called the cops and we’re here,” Justin said.
Family members said Dykie was taken to Southlake Regional Health Centre and is expected to be OK.
Police said he was being treated for minor injuries and there is no known threat to the public. No other information was available.
This story will be updated as more details become available.
