The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in Central Region is currently investigating two separate incidents involving robberies where the suspect brandished a conducted energy weapon (CEW) and demanded cash.
On Sunday, October 25, 2020, at approximately 8:00 a.m., members from the City of Kawartha Lakes OPP Detachment received information that a person using an ATM inside a Coboconk bank was approached by an unknown suspect who brandished a CEW and demanded cash. The victim surrendered approximately $300 in Canadian currency to the suspect, who then fled the location on foot. Nobody was injured during the incident. The suspect is described as male, approximately 5’6″ in height, approximately 40 years of age, with black hair, wearing a black jacket, black mask, black toque and armed with a CEW.
On Monday, October 26, 2020, at approximately 6:15 a.m., members from the Orillia OPP Detachment received information that a person using a drive-thru ATM in Orillia was approached by an unknown suspect who brandished a CEW and demanded cash. The victim immediately drove away, leaving the bank card in the ATM. The suspect made attempts to withdraw money, however, was unsuccessful. Members of the Orillia OPP, Emergency Response Team (ERT) and Canine Unit were deployed and attended the location to search for the suspect. After an extensive canine track was conducted, the suspect was not located. The suspect is described as male, approximately 5’7″ in height, approximately 30 years of age, wearing all black clothing and armed with a CEW.
Police believe that the suspect in the above robberies is also responsible for two attempted robberies that occurred on Monday, October 26, 2020 at approximately 6:30 p.m. in Gravenhurst, ON. In both cases, a lone male entered a convenience store with what appears to be a firearm and demanded cash. No money was obtained by the suspect in either case. The suspect is described as 5’7″ and was wearing a reflective jacket and a black toque, black mask and black gloves and left in a white sedan.
NOTE – In all four occurrences, a newer white four-door Sedan was observed in the immediate area and is believed to be operated by the suspect.
On Friday, October 30, 2020, approximately 10:50 a.m., members of the OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit (TRU) located and arrested the male suspect on Highway 12, near Concession 10, in the Township of Ramara. Orillia OPP, in conjunction with York Regional Police, had identified the male earlier in the day and were actively searching for him at the time. The investigation is ongoing and more information will be released when available.
The OPP would like to thank the concerned members of the public that assisted in the identification of the suspect which led to his arrest.
As a result of the Orillia OPP Crime Unit investigation, Sebastian GAUDINO, age 46 of Minden Hills Township, has been charged with:
· Robbery with Weapon, contrary to Section 344(1)(b) of the Criminal Code;
· Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose, contrary to Section 88 of the Criminal Code;
· Unauthorized Possession of Weapon, contrary to Section 91(2) of the Criminal Code.
The accused is set to appear on December 1, 2020, at the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
