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7 arrested following probe sparked by robbery in south end of Orillia

In total, police laid 35 criminal charges stemming from this incident which began as a disturbance call at 5:10 a.m. March 18; Three suspects are from Orillia
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NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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The Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have made numerous arrests resulting from a robbery investigation. Detachment members were initially dispatched to what was described as a disturbance on March 18, 2020 at 5:10 a.m. at a residence on West Street South in Orillia. Through investigation, police determined that a robbery with a weapon had taken place. 

While officers were responding, they located and stopped a vehicle which was believed to be involved. After police identified the occupants, the motor vehicle fled the scene. Officers located the vehicle a short distance away, unoccupied, and were advised that the occupants had all entered the adjacent residence. 

While Uniform Patrol Members, Orillia Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) and Orillia Crime Unit continued the investigation, seven suspects were observed walking from the residence and all were arrested, without incident, including five adults and two youths.

As a result of the investigation, the following suspects have been charged:  

  • James Dewitt, age 37, of Orillia  
  • Steven Lancaster, age 30, of Orillia 
  • Katie Brittain, age 24, of Orillia 
  • Dexron Jones, age 19, of Toronto; and  
  • Christopher Caicedo, age 19, of Toronto

All of the suspects listed above were charged jointly with:  

  • Robbery with weapon contrary to section 344(1)(b) of the Criminal Code  
  • Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose contrary to section 88 of the Criminal Code; and  
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 contrary to section 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code

Two young persons, who cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), were also arrested and charged with numerous Criminal Code offences.

In addition, individuals were charged with criminal driving offences, obstruction of police, breaches of court orders, drug possession (Fentanyl) and carrying a concealed weapon. In total, police laid 35 criminal charges stemming from this event. 

Police seized two imitation firearms, two knives, a quantity of currency, and a small quantity of Fentanyl as a result of this investigation.

All involved parties were held pending bail hearings on March 19, 2020 at the Ontario Court of Justice, Barrie.

Members of the Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police are committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities. Officers value your contribution to building safe communities. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or visit Crime Stoppers at: www.crimestopperssdm.com or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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