REPEATED THEFTS THIS WEEK ALSO INCLUDE POLICE TAKING ONE CAPTURED SUSPECT TO HOSPITAL IN GRAVENHURST TODAY AFTER HE SUFFERS MEDICAL EMERGENCY
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com
MUSKOKA — After police in Gravenhurst and Huntsville arrested two people this week in separate multiple thefts, this afternoon in Gravenhurst officers had to take a third suspect to hospital after he complained of a medical emergency following a theft at a downtown clothing store after he was chased by members of the public.
OPP say that on Thursday February 12, at 1:20 p.m., officers were dispatched to a theft in progress at the Muskoka Bay Clothing Store, on Muskoka Road South in Gravenhurst. After being confronted by store staff, the male suspect took off on foot with a variety of items.
Members of the public kept track of the suspect from a safe distance and police arrived within minutes.
The suspect began experiencing a medical emergency and was transported to hospital in police custody.
A police investigation is ongoing and they say further information will be released when available.
They ask that anyone with information about the incident to call the local OPP at 1-888-310-1122; or to remain anonymous contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
Gravenhurst woman charged with 6 retail thefts
Meanwhile, police have separately arrested and charged a local woman with respect to multiple other thefts in the town of Gravenhurst.
Officers have been investigating multiple incidents of thefts from six separate retail locations in the town that took place between December 22 and this past Tuesday February 10.
Retailers estimate they have lost thousands of dollars in product during that time, police said Thursday.
Yesterday, February 11, they arrested and charged 41-year-old Amee Paulette, of Gravenhurst, with the following:
- Robbery
- Theft Under $5,000 X 8
- Fail to Comply with Probation X 10
- Obstruct Peace Officer
- Resist Peace Officer
Paulette was held for a bail hearing this morning, Feb. 12, in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge to answer to her charges.
Police say she operates with a partner, who remains outstanding.
Anyone with information regarding the case is asked to call the local OPP detachment at 1-888-310-1122.
Police added they investigate each and every shoplifting and theft report, as this criminal activity has a significant impact on local businesses and negatively affects community safety.
Huntsville man charged with twice shoplifting same store
Police in Huntsville responded to a report of a male repeatedly shoplifting from a business on Main Street in Huntsville.
They investigated two incidents on February 5 and February 9.
Using video surveillance and witness statements, officers uncovered the identity of the suspect.
There is no dollar value of the losses to the business at this time.
As a result of the investigation, Robert Merkel, 37, of Huntsville, has been charged with;
- Theft Under $5,000 × 2
- Fail to Comply with Probation Order × 2
Merkel was released with an upcoming court appearance at the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge.
Police there also ask that if anyone has information about the incidents to call them at 1-888-310-1122. You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers that will let you remain anonymous at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS); or go to www.crimestopperssdm.com to provide information. When you contact Crime Stoppers you stay anonymous, and you never have to testify.
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