NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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The Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police have arrested an Orillia man in connection with two robberies of businesses in the City of Orillia.
On April 2, 2019 shortly after 5 a.m. the Orillia OPP received a call of a robbery at a business on Westmount Drive in Orillia. The male had entered the business with what appeared to be a firearm. A witness provided police with a description of the vehicle.
While police were investigating this incident a call for a second robbery was received at approximately 5:40 a.m. The suspect in this incident had entered a business on Atherley Road and demanded cash. The suspect fled the scene without any cash. The employee managed to get a description of the suspect and called police.
While police were investigating the second robbery a third call came in at approximately 6:30 for a theft of gas. The suspect attended a business on West Street South pumped some fuel into his vehicle, entered the store stole a few items then left without paying.
Orillia OPP uniform officers with the assistance of the Major Crime unit were able to link all three incidents to the same suspect. Police have charged 32-year-old Reece Finlay of Orillia. The suspect was charged with:
- Two counts of armed robbery Contrary to Section 343(d) of the Criminal Code.
- Two counts of disguise with intent Contrary to Section 351(2) of the Criminal Code.
- Two counts of theft under $5,000.00 Contrary to Section 334(b) of the Criminal Code.
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose Contrary to section 88 of the Criminal Code.
- Imitation firearm while committing an offence Contrary to section 85(2)(a) of the Criminal Code.
The accused is being held in custody pending a bail hearing on April 4, 2019 at the Ontario Court of Justice in 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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