Three Ottawa Teens Face Criminal Charges After Gatineau Armed Robberies
Three teenagers from Ottawa have been formally charged in connection with two alleged armed robberies that occurred in Gatineau on Monday evening. The incidents, which took place within approximately 80 minutes of each other, prompted a swift police response that led to the arrests of the suspects.
Charges and Court Appearances
According to a news release from the Gatineau Police Service, two 19-year-old men and a 15-year-old male were scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday. The charges include:
- Armed robbery
- Possession of an imitation firearm
- Armed assault
- Carrying a concealed weapon
The three individuals were held in custody pending their court appearances, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations.
Timeline of the Incidents
The armed robberies occurred between 7:30 p.m. and 8:50 p.m. on February 2nd. Police received the first report involving an incident on Boulevard des Grives in the Plateau neighbourhood. The second call came shortly after, concerning an event on Richer Street in the Hull sector.
Details of the First Robbery
In the initial incident, a victim had arranged to sell a device through Facebook Marketplace and went to meet a potential buyer at the specified address. Upon arrival, two individuals confronted the victim. One suspect took the cellphone while the other brandished what appeared to be a firearm. The two then fled with the device, leaving the victim unharmed but shaken.
Police Investigation and Arrests
Responding to the second call, police utilized information gathered from the first incident to identify a suspect vehicle. This coordinated effort enabled officers to locate and arrest the three teenagers, all of whom are residents of Ottawa. The quick succession of events allowed law enforcement to connect the dots between the two robberies.
Ongoing Investigation
The Gatineau Police Service has confirmed that the investigation remains active. Authorities are continuing to gather evidence and examine the circumstances surrounding both armed robberies. The police have not released additional details about potential motives or whether more individuals may be involved.
This case underscores the risks associated with online marketplace transactions and highlights the importance of safety precautions when meeting strangers for sales. It also demonstrates the effectiveness of rapid police response in addressing violent crimes across jurisdictional boundaries.
