Two teens are in custody for armed robbery following a “high-risk takedown” by police.
The multi-agency investigation started when a vehicle was stolen at gunpoint in Sault Ste. Marie at around 2 a.m. today.
Sault Ste. Marie Police say a rideshare driver picked up the accused in the 700 block of Queen Street East and took them to the 500 block of Trunk Road.
“Upon arriving at their destination, both accused pointed firearms at the victim and demanded they get out of the vehicle,” Sault Police said.
“The victim complied and no physical injuries were sustained. The two accused drove away.”
Sault Police told Ontario Provincial Police that the vehicle’s GPS showed it had left the Thessalon area and was heading east on Highway 17.
OPP say its officers spotted the suspect vehicle at a gas station in Mississauga First Nation.
That’s where officers conducted the high-risk takedown and arrested two people.
OPP say they recovered two BB guns inside the vehicle.
The driver and passenger were held in custody and later transported to Sault Ste. Marie Police Service.
Garnet Gerald, 19, of Thunder Bay and a 17-year-old from North York are charged with:
- Robbery using a firearm
- Using a firearm in the commission of an offence
- Careless use of a firearm
- Pointing a firearm
In addition, the 17-year-old driver was charged with:
- Class G1 licence holder-unaccompanied by a qualified driver
- Unnecessary slow driving
None of the allegations have been tested in court and the accused are considered innocent unless proven guilty.