The Service de Police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) on Friday arrested a 16-year-old suspect in connection with four robberies in the Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension (VSMPE) district in recent months.
During a search, the investigators were also able to confiscate a mobile phone stolen at one of the events and a bear spray.
The police investigation and arrest were led by the Nord criminal police with the help of specialized units from the SPVM, the neighborhood station 30 (Saint-Michel) and the ARRET project.
The suspect, who cannot be identified due to his age, is charged before the Juvenile Division with robbery, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, carrying a concealed weapon and possession of property obtained by crime.
The young man organized meetings with his victims, whom he had previously met on an online sales platform. Once there, the suspect stole the coveted item by force. In one incident, the victim was sprayed with bear repellant.
Anyone with information about an event of this nature can contact 911 or their neighborhood station. It is also possible to communicate anonymously and confidentially with Info-Crime Montréal at 514.393-1133 or through the report form on the infocrimemontreal.ca website.
Rewards of up to $3,000 may be awarded by Info-Crime Montreal for information leading to the arrest of suspects. Certain conditions apply.