close
close

Ourladyoftheassumptionparish

Part – Newstatenabenn

Three suspects arrested during attempted robbery in Field
patheur

Three suspects arrested during attempted robbery in Field

The arrest was part of an ongoing multi-jurisdictional investigation into bank robberies, called Project Opal.

Article content

Police arrested four suspects, while one remains at large, as part of an ongoing multi-jurisdictional investigation into bank robberies dubbed Project Opal.

Advertisement 2

Article content

On June 21, 2024, three suspects were arrested during an attempted robbery in Field, by the Ontario Provincial Police Rescue and Tactics Unit and Aviation Unit, with support from the West Nipissing Major Crime OPP and the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch.

A fourth suspect was arrested on September 25, 2024 in Vaughan.

A fifth suspect was charged and remains wanted. Anyone with information about his whereabouts should not approach him and contact police immediately.

Between December 8, 2022 and March 16, 2024, eight bank robberies occurred in areas policed ​​by the Ontario Provincial Police, Barrie Police Service, Belleville Police Service, Regional Police Service of Durham, the Niagara Regional Police Service and the York Regional Police.

Advertisement 3

Article content

Although each police service investigated their respective incidents, in August 2023, the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch stepped in to coordinate the investigation of the suspects.

Police identified similar characteristics in the robberies, pointing to a single group of perpetrators.

“Two or three people who entered the banks before closing participated in the robberies,” according to the OPP.

“They wore different masks and clothing in each incident. During all of the robberies, at least one gun was displayed, although no injuries were reported. In the last six robberies, bank employees were tied up. Investigators have determined that the group of suspects is responsible for more than $2 million in reported losses at eight banks. The money has not yet been recovered.”

Advertisement 4

Article content

OPP Deputy Commissioner Marty Kearns said Project Opal required extensive coordination between multiple law enforcement services to identify and apprehend suspects before they could attack another bank.

“Through their tireless work, they were able to ensure that no other victims would have to endure the fear and trauma of such an experience. “I extend my gratitude to our Project Opal members for their exceptional work and unwavering dedication to public safety.”

Devonte Clark, 29, of Whitby, has been charged with conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, use of an imitation firearm in the commission of a crime, robbery with violence, forcible confinement, pointing a firearm, possession of a weapon for dangerous purposes and disguising oneself with intent.

Advertisement 5

Article content

Keino Heath, 25, of Oshawa, has been charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit an indictable offense, robbery with violence and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.

David Newman, 24, of Ajax, has been charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit a felony, robbery with violence and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.

Roderick Newman, 32, of Coburg, has been charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, possession of a firearm in contravention of a prohibition order, four counts of forcible confinement, two counts of robbery with violence , three counts of robbery with a firearm. , four counts of disguising with intent and two counts of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, use of an imitation firearm and four counts of pointing a firearm. He also faces charges of four counts of possession of a weapon for dangerous purposes and three counts of possession of a prohibited or restricted loaded firearm.

Advertisement 6

Article content

Akeem Williams, 32, of Ajax, is charged with conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, robbery with a firearm, forcible confinement, pointing a firearm, possession of a weapon for dangerous purposes, possession of a firearm prohibited or restricted loaded, disguise with intent and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.

While charges have been filed, the investigation continues and police urge anyone with information to contact local police, the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222. TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

The investigation was supported by the OPP’s Gray Bruce Task Force, the Forensic Services Center and the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Center of Canada.

Article content