October 28, 2020

ORILLIA, COBOCONK ATM ROBBERY SUSPECT LINKED TO GRAVENHURST FAILED ATTEMPTS

GRAVENHURST — Two robbery attempts here Monday are linked to a suspect who used a Taser-like weapon in two other bank ATM incidents in Coboconk and Orillia Sunday and Monday, say police.

Central Region OPP are hunting the suspect in the four incidents who got away.

In the first two cases the man brandished a conducted energy weapon (CEW) and demanded cash.

On Sunday, Oct. 25 at 8 a.m., police were called to an ATM inside a Coboconk bank after person was approached by a man with a CEW who demanded cash.

The uninjured victim gave him $300 and he fled on foot.

The suspect is described as male, approximately 5-foot-6, age 40, with black hair. He was wearing a black jacket, black mask, black toque.

Then on Monday, Oct. 26, at 6:15 a.m. police there were called to a drive-thru ATM in Orillia where another victim in a vehicle was approached in a similar manner.

The victim immediately drove away, leaving the bank card in the ATM.

The suspect made attempts to withdraw money, but was unsuccessful.

Officers from the Orillia OPP, Emergency Response Team and Canine Unit led an extensive, but unsuccessful canine search.

That suspect is described as male, 5-foot-7, age 30, wearing all black clothing and armed with a CEW.

Police believe the suspect in those robberies is also responsible for two attempted robberies Monday evening at 6:30 p.m. in Gravenhurst.

In both cases, a lone male entered the convenience stores in the Bethune Drive, Winewood Avenue and Muskoka Beach Road are with what also appears to be a firearm and demanded cash.

No money was obtained by the suspect in either case.

That suspect is also described as 5-foot-7 and was wearing a reflective yellow jacket and a black toque, black mask and black gloves.

He fled in a white car.

Police said Wednesday that in all four occurrences, a newer white four-door sedan was observed in the immediate area and is believed to have been driven by the suspect.

The OPP reminds all members of the public to be aware of their surroundings and personal safety at all times. If you believe you are being followed, call 911 immediately and give police as many details as possible. Avoid going home, stay in a public place and remain in your vehicle.

The investigations are currently ongoing, and police are looking for the public’s assistance to help identify the suspect of these incidents.

Police believe there may be witnesses to these events who were driving or walking in the area at the time of the offence.

If anyone recognizes the suspect or has knowledge of this crime, contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

You can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit your information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com if you have any information on this crime or any other crime. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and you will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.

See OPP suspect security video grabs below.