FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, September 14, 2015 1:20pm
(Ottawa) –The Ottawa Police Service Robbery Unit is currently investigating two personal robberies from the past weekend and wants to inform the public and seek information about possible suspect(s).
On September 13, 2015, at approximately 3:30am, a lone female was walking along a pedestrian path near Chapel Street when she was accosted from behind and thrown to the ground. The suspect demanded the victim’s cellular phone, which he potentially observed being used. The victim screamed at which point the suspect kicked her, and then fled the area. There were no injuries and nothing was taken.
The suspect is described as being as a Caucasian male, 5’7”- 6’0”(170 cm-183cm), wearing a black jacket, described as resembling the “Michelin Man”, with a dark hooded sweatshirt underneath, dark acid washed jeans with frayed cuffs, gloves
On September 14, 2015, at approximately 12:25am, a lone female was walking along the 200 block of Nepean Street when she was accosted from behind and thrown to the ground. The suspect attempted to steal the victim’s purse, however she was able to hold on to it. When the victim wouldn’t release the purse, the suspect kicked the victim to the head. The suspect did steal the victim’s cellular phone, which fell loose during the struggle for the purse.
The suspect was described as a Caucasian male, in his 20’s, approximately 6’3” (191 cm), wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, dark pants and dark sneakers. The suspect fled the area on a dark coloured bicycle.
The Robbery Unit is exploring the possibility of the two incidents potentially being linked. Extra public vigilance is recommended.
The Robbery Unit recommends the following safety tips concerning these recent potentially violent incidents:
- Be attentive to your surroundings and those around you;
- Avoid isolated areas, in particular after dark and when withdrawing money from ATMs;
- Travel with friends whenever possible. The “buddy system” is a great way to stay safe;
- Be wary of inadvertently displaying possessions such as cell phones and other electronic devices; and
- Let someone know where you are going and when you can be expected home.
Should you become a victim of a swarming or personal robbery, the following steps are recommended:
- Do not resist your attacker(s), who may be armed as this could lead to serious injury or death;
- Try and memorize their faces, clothing and license plates if there is a vehicle involved;
- Call 911 as soon as possible. If you are around an OC Transpo facility, look for an emergency call box; and
- If you are a student and are robbed at school or by someone from your school, report the incident to the office and the Ottawa Police Service.
Anyone with information with respect to either of these robberies, or any other robbery, is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Robbery Unit at 613-236-1222 ext. 5116. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS) or by downloading the Ottawa Police iOS app.
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CONTACT:
Staff Sergeant Michael Haarbosch
Robbery Unit
Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5445