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Three teens are facing charges following an armed robbery at a phone store in Richmond Hill Monday.
Three suspects wearing masks, one of whom had a gun, entered the retail business at Hillcrest Mall at Yonge Street and Carrville Road at around 5 p.m., according to a York Regional Police news release.
“One employee was able to escape out the back door, while a second employee and a customer were forced to the back of the store at gunpoint,” said police.
A quantity of cellphones and other merchandise was taken before the suspects fled in a red vehicle.
“While the suspects were fleeing the area, they were involved in two separate vehicle collisions,” police stated.
No one was seriously hurt.
Officers were able to find both the car and suspects on Carrville after the second collision.
One suspect was taken into custody, while two were able to run away. A canine unit helped track them down to a residential area where they were arrested.
Investigators said they recovered a replica firearm along with stolen merchandise.
They also discovered the vehicle had been reported stolen in a Toronto carjacking.
An 18-year-old from Brampton has been charged with:
- Use of Imitation Firearm During Commission of an Indictable Offence
- Disguise with Intent
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
- Flight From Peace Officer
- Dangerous Operation
A 16-year-old from Toronto has been charged with:
- Use of Imitation Firearm During Commission of an Indictable Offence
- Disguise with Intent
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
A 15-year-old with no fixed address has been charged with:
- Use of Imitation Firearm During Commission of an Indictable Offence
- Disguise with Intent
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
- Obstruct Peace Officer • Fail to Comply with Release Order
- Fail to Comply with YCJA Sentence Order x4
The 15-year-old accused was already on bail for unrelated charges, police said.
Anyone with information about these incidents can call York Regional Police at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6630, or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-tips.
