Members of the Niagara Regional Police Service 1 District Detective Office have been involved in the investigation of a series of armed robberies that occurred between July 23, 2015 and August 7, 2015. These robberies targeted gas stations, convenience store, and a restaurant. The robber targeted lone store clerks and wore a disguise while brandishing a knife; and in most cases he made his getaway on a bicycle.
Police say in the early afternoon on August 8, 2015 Detectives arrested 23-year-old Michael Parker, a resident of the Niagara Region, and executed a search warrant at his residence at the Pine Hotel in Thorold.
Parker is charged with five counts each of:
1. Robbery contrary to section 343 of the Criminal Code
2. Disguise with Intent contrary to section 351(2) of the Criminal Code
He will appear in St. Catharines Bail Court on August 9, 2015.
Here are a list of the incidents connected:
Gas Station Robbery Incident Number 2015-60779
On Thursday, July 23, 2015 a male entered the Canadian Tire Gas Station, located at 459 Welland Avenue in the City of St. Catharines at approximately 10:09 p.m. and demanded money from the employee behind the counter.
The suspect is a white male, slender build and approximately 6.0 feet tall. The suspect was wearing black and white running shoes, beige pants, black hooded sweater with the hood pulled over his head, a red baseball hat, dark sunglasses and wore white gloves to cover his hands.
A knife was shown during the robbery, but the employee was not injured. The suspect fled the scene on a bicycle and was not located.
Police are asking anyone with any information that could assist with this investigation to contact the 1 District Detective Office in the City of St. Catharines at (905) 688-4111 ext. 4359
St.Catharines Restaurant Robbery Incident Number 2015-62327
At approximately 1:30pm on Tuesday July 28th 2015, a masked male suspect entered a Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) restaurant located at 492 Grantham Avenue in the city of St.Catharines and approached the cashier demanding cash. The cashier handed over a small quantity of currency and the suspect fled the area on a bicycle.
The suspect was described as a white male with tanned skin, thin build, approximately 5’5″ tall with dark brown eyes and thick brown eyebrows. The suspect wore black shorts, a black and grey sweater, black flat brimmed baseball cap and over his face he had a white bandana with a black pattern.
If anyone has any information in relation to this incident they are being asked to contact Niagara Regional Police Service Detective Constable Brandon Southcott at (905) 688-4111, ext 4358.
Avondale Robbery Incident Number 2015-62745
On Wednesday July 29, 2015 at approximately 4:50 pm a male entered the ‘Avondale Food Stores’ located at 191 Welland Ave in the City of St. Catharines. The male attempted to disguise his identity by pulling his shirt up over his face as he approached the store clerk while brandishing a knife and demanded money. The male stole and undisclosed amount of money and fled the store on foot Westbound toward Geneva Street. The store clerk was not injured during this incident.
The suspect male is described as being Male, White, mid to late twenties, approximately 5’9 with an average to slender build. He was wearing a blue baseball cap with a ‘Blue Jays’ logo on the front, a grey t-shirt and dark coloured jeans.
This incident is being investigated by members of the 1 District Detective Office and Forensic Services Unit. Any witnesses or anyone with information relating to this incident is encouraged to contact the 1 District Detective Office.
Gas Station Robbery in St. Catharines Incident Number 2015-64641
On Monday August 3rd 2015 at approximately 9:40pm, members of the Niagara Regional Police Service attended the Esso Gas Station located at 236 Glendale Avenue, in the city of St. Catharines for a robbery that just occurred. Upon arrival, police learned that a male suspect entered the business armed with a knife and demanded money from the lone female teller. The suspect fled the area with an undisclosed amount of cash on a bicycle east bound on Glendale Avenue, toward highway 406. The teller was not harmed.
The suspect was described as a white male, approximately 180lbs, 5’11” to 6’0” wearing a black hoodie, a white baseball cap, dark jeans and dark running shoes with distinct white soles.
Investigators are seeking assistance from the public and urging anyone with information to contact the 1 District detective office at 905-688-4111 ext. 4286.
St. Catharines Gas Station Robbery – Incident Number 2015-65738
On Friday, August 7, 2015 shortly before 5:00 am a male entered the Petro Canada gas station store located on Glenridge Avenue in St. Catharines. The suspect approached the lone store clerk and brandished a weapon while demanding cash. The male left the store empty handed and made his escape on a bicycle. He was described as a white male, in his twenties, about six feet tall, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and dark blue tear-away style pants.
Investigation is being conducted by members of the Niagara Regional Police Service 1 District Detective Office. Anyone with information concerning this robbery is asked to contact Detective Constable Erica Warkentin at telephone: 905-688-4111 Extension 4308.
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