Four teens arrested after string of robberies in Hamilton, including one from Brampton

Four teenage boys, including one from Brampton, were arrested in Hamilton after a string of robberies yesterday.

What Hamilton Police called a “series of crime” began around 9:30 a.m. when four boys went to the K.C. Convenience on Parkdale Ave. At knifepoint, the youths made demands of the business owner, police claim. However, their attempted victim held his ground and the teens fled emptyhanded.

They raced off from the scene in a stolen white sedan. The business owner quickly reported the incident to police and informed his fellow convenience store owners through a group chat.

The teens next showed up at Big Bee convenience on Barton St, about four kilometres west of the K.C. However, since the owner got a warning from the K.C. convenience owner, he was able to bar the door before the masked group could enter.

The quartet again fled after failing to enter the Big Bee, and next showed up at the Wholesale Club on Barton St. about seven kilometres east of the Big Bee and two from K.C. Here instead of trying to rob a store, the teens allegedly tried to carjack someone. This also failed and the teens fled once more.

This time, the van crashed into another car near Nash Rd. and Barton St., just outside the Wholesale Club. The teens fled the scene of the crash. Police officers quickly collected four suspects from the area. They include;

• a 16-year-old Etobicoke boy,
• a 16-year-old Toronto boy,
• Vernon Francois, 18 of Brampton, and
• Takai Glen, 18 of Etobicoke

All four have been charged with two counts of robbery, possession of stolen property over $5,000, disguise with intent and robbery with violence. The Toronto boy is also charged with failure to comply with a release order. The 16-year-olds identities are protected by the Youth Criminal Justice Act. All four have set court dates. Three remain in custody.

“Hamilton Police Service expresses heartfelt gratitude to the vigilant community members, including store clerks and local businesses, for their prompt response, cooperation, and assistance in contacting police,” investigators said, “The collective efforts of the community played a pivotal role in the successful apprehension of these individuals, ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents.”

Anyone with information can call police at 905-546-2991 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.