FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, December 4, 2017 2:16pm
(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service Robbery Unit has charged a lone suspect following three weekend retail robberies.
On December 3, 2017, three separate robbery reports were received in close proximity in time:
* Gas station-1700 block of St. Laurent Boulevard
* Restaurant-1700 block of St. Laurent Boulevard
* Restaurant-1700 block of St. Laurent Boulevard
The lone suspect first entered the gas station, at approximately 7:20 pm., and made a verbal demand for cash. The suspect fled empty-handed when additional customers arrived and cash was not immediately obtained. The suspect then proceeded to a nearby restaurant where he made a verbal demand to a restaurant employee. The suspect again fled empty-handed when he was told to leave. In these instances, the suspect insinuated he had a firearm by holding his hand in his pocket. The suspect then attended another nearby restaurant where he threatened an employee and indicated he was armed with a gun. In this instance, the suspect then pushed an employee up against a wall. The suspect fled with an undisclosed quantity of cash. The suspect was arrested a short time later, nearby and without incident, by responding front line officers. There were no injuries. The stolen cash was recovered.
George HIPSON, age 53 of Ottawa, is charged with the following offences:
* Three (3) counts of robbery
* Three (3) counts breach of recognizance
Mr. Hipson appears in court on December 4, 2017.
Anyone with information regarding these robberies, or any other robbery, is asked to call the Ottawa Police's 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 app.
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CONTACT:
S/Sgt. Michael Haarbosch
Robbery/Break & Enter Units
Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5445