York Regional Police have released video showing four suspects in a Richmond Hill jewellery store robbery jumping out of a stolen getaway vehicle and futilely trying to hide in a wooded area in Etobicoke.
It was futile because the York Regional Police Air Support Unit helicopter, Air2, was tracking them the entire time using infrared technology that allowed officers in the air to relay the suspects’ exact positions to officers on the ground.
The four suspects, two adults and two youths, were quickly taken into custody.
Investigators say three of the suspects robbed a store in the Yonge Street and Levendale Road area of Richmond Hill at around 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 17, using hammers to smash glass cases and steal jewellery, while the fourth suspect waited in a silver SUV that was later determined to be stolen.
One employee received minor injuries after being assaulted by one of the suspects, investigators further allege.
As the suspects were heading towards Toronto in the SUV, the Air2 was able to pick up their location and follow them.
The vehicle parked at an apartment complex in the area of Highway 27 and Finch Avenue and the suspects fled into a wooded area before they were all arrested shortly after.
Marlando Mitchell, 24, of Brampton, Che Brooks-Baptiste, 20 of Burlington, and two 16-year-old boys, who can’t be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, are facing robbery charges.
Marlando Mitchell. York Regional Police
Che Brooks-Baptiste. York Regional Police.
“Of the four suspects arrested, one adult and two youths were out on release orders,” said police Chief Jim MacSween.
“Our bail system needs to address such offenders as they remain one of the greatest threats to public safety.”
