The Waterloo Regional Police Robbery Unit are investigating an armed robbery in Waterloo.
On February 2, 2023, at approximately 4 p.m., police responded to several reports of an armed robbery at a jewellery store in Conestoga Mall. Initial reports indicated that shots had been fire inside the mall during the robbery.
Four male suspects entered the store with hammers and batons. The suspects smashed display cases and stole merchandise.
As the suspects fled the store, one of the male suspects was arrested by a security guard while the other three male suspects fled the mall area on foot.
Two of the male suspects ran across King Street North to an industrial area.
The fourth male suspect entered a vehicle in the mall parking lot that was occupied by a family. The driver of the vehicle and their young child were able to exit the vehicle before the male suspect stole the vehicle and fled the area. This vehicle was last seen travelling south on King Street North.
Officers quickly arrived in the area of Conestoga Mall and took over the arrest made by the security guard. The security guard suffered physical injuries as a result of the incident and was transported by Region of Waterloo Paramedic Services to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Officers located and arrested two suspects in the industrial area across from Conestoga Mall.
Police evacuated the mall to ensure the safety of all individuals inside the mall and to also ensure that there were no suspects inside the mall.
There was no evidence located of shots fired inside the mall and it is believed that the sounds heard were the glass cases being smashed.
Conestoga Mall remained closed for the remainder of the evening while police conducted the investigation.
Three adult males, ages 20, 21, and 24 years of age, all from the Greater Toronto Area were arrested and charged with the following:
- Robbery with a weapon
- Disguise with intent
- Possession of stolen property over $5,000
All three males were held for a bail hearing.
The investigation remains ongoing by WRPS’ Robbery Unit and additional charges are anticipated.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 519-570-9777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
