Young teens charged in 14 armed pharmacy robberies in Mississauga, Brampton
Posted February 21, 2023 5:14 pm.
Last Updated February 21, 2023 5:22 pm.
Two male youths face a combined 84 charges after allegedly committing 14 armed pharmacy robberies in Mississauga and Brampton within the last few months.
Peel Regional Police say the two boys targeted eight pharmacies in Mississauga and six in Brampton from Dec. 2022 to Jan. 2023. The teenagers were arrested on Jan. 24 as part of an extensive investigation by Toronto police called “Project Mayhem” that concentrated on armed robberies across the GTA. Many of the thefts involved youths.
Peel police said on Feb. 6 and Feb. 21, both male suspects were brought to Peel Region to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice to answer to additional charges.
A 14-year-old male youth and a 15-year-old male youth from Toronto face 84 criminal charges, including robbery, wearing a disguise, and breaching a court order.
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Peel police said investigators anticipate further charges will be laid. The two boys were not identified due to Ontario’s Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA).
“Gun-related crime carries lasting impacts for the victims targeted and our community,” said Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich.
“It fractures the feelings of safety and security, which everyone deserves. Identifying and arresting the people responsible for those offences is an important step to re-establishing those feelings.”
Last week, Toronto police Insp. Richard Harris said GTA officers are concerned not only about the number of violent pharmacy robberies but “the young ages of those involved,” noting that there was a record number of pharmacy robberies in Toronto last year. Of those arrested, 69 per cent were young people under the age of 18.
“This was a violent series of robberies, and I hope the work from our investigative team and partners will help those affected begin to feel the relief they have a right to,” Milinovich said.
