Durham Regional Police Service has launched a manhunt for a repeat offender described as a "crime-blotter frequent flier" following two armed robberies at convenience stores in Oshawa. Nicholas David Burr, 36, is wanted in connection with incidents that occurred within 24 hours at local businesses.
Details of the Oshawa Robberies
According to police reports, the first robbery occurred on Tuesday, April 14, around 10:15 p.m. at Oshawa Grand Convenience on Nonquon Road. A male suspect entered the business, brandished a firearm, and made threats while demanding cash from an employee. After stealing money from the register, the suspect fled the area on foot. The victim did not sustain any physical injuries during this incident.
The following evening, around 7:40 p.m., officers responded to a second robbery at One Stop Shopping Convenience on Mary Street North. In this case, the suspect entered the business and threatened an employee with a knife while demanding cash. The victim used a chair to defend themselves and create distance from the attacker, who reportedly slashed and stabbed toward the chair. The suspect allegedly smashed a display case and stole lottery tickets before fleeing on foot. The victim in this incident sustained minor injuries.
Suspect's Extensive Criminal History
Police have identified the suspect as Nicholas David Burr, who has what authorities describe as a "lengthy criminal CV" that includes previous knife attacks, robberies, and break-and-enter offenses. At the time of the recent robberies, Burr was reportedly bound by a weapons prohibition order.
Burr's criminal history spans more than a decade, with records indicating:
- In 2019, he allegedly attacked a person in Cobourg with a knife, resulting in charges of assault with a weapon and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. He was released on a promise to appear.
- In 2020, he was arrested following a break-and-enter at a Cobourg residence, facing charges of breaking and entering with intent to commit an indictable offense, possession of property obtained by crime, and failure to comply with probation.
- As early as 2013, when Burr was 23, a Justice of the Peace described his criminal record as "extensive" during bail proceedings for break-and-enter charges and probation breaches.
Court records indicate Burr has accumulated multiple convictions for failing to comply with court orders, including what police describe as "an even dozen failing to comply convictions" by 2013. When arrested for the 2020 Cobourg incident, he reportedly had just 11 days of probation remaining from a previous Oshawa break-and-enter case.
Current Charges and Police Appeal
Burr is currently wanted for numerous charges related to the recent Oshawa robberies, including:
- Robbery with a firearm
- Robbery with a weapon
- Assault with a weapon
- Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
- Three counts of possession contrary to order
- Ten counts of failure to comply with probation order
Durham Regional Police are asking anyone with information about the recent Oshawa robberies to contact the Auto Robbery Crime Unit at 1-888-579-1520 extension 5355. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at their website, with tipsters potentially eligible for a cash reward.
Police are particularly interested in any cell phone footage, dash camera recordings, or surveillance video that might provide additional evidence about the incidents or the suspect's whereabouts.
