3 suspects who attempted theft in the field were arrested

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Police have arrested four suspects as part of an ongoing multijurisdictional investigation into the Project Opal bank robberies, while one suspect remains at large.

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On June 21, 2024, three suspects were arrested during an attempted robbery at Field by the Ontario Provincial Police Tactics and Rescue Unit and Aviation Unit, with support from OPP West Nipissing Major Crime and the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch.

A fourth suspect was arrested in Vaughan on September 25, 2024.

A fifth suspect has also been charged and remains wanted. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked not to approach him and to contact police immediately.

Between December 8, 2022 and March 16, 2024, eight bank robberies occurred in areas policed ​​by the Ontario Provincial Police, Barrie Police Service, Belleville Police Service, Durham Regional Police Service, Niagara Regional Police Service, and York Regional Police.

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Although each police agency investigates its own incidents, in August 2023 the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch stepped in to coordinate the investigation into the suspects.

The fact that the police detected similar characteristics in the robberies pointed to a single group of perpetrators.

“The robberies involved two or three individuals entering the banks before they closed,” according to the OPP.

“They wore different masks and clothes at each event. At least one gun was displayed in all of the robberies, but no injuries were sustained. Bank employees were tied up in the last six robberies. Investigators determined that the group of suspects was responsible for more than $2 million in reported losses at eight banks. “The money has not been recovered yet.”

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OPP Deputy Commissioner Marty Kearns said Project Opal required extensive coordination between multiple police agencies to identify and arrest suspects before they target another bank.

“Through their tireless work, they have managed to ensure that no other victim will have to endure the fear and trauma of such an ordeal. “I express my gratitude to our Project Opal members for their extraordinary work and unwavering commitment to public safety.”

Devonte Clark, 29, of Whitby, is charged with conspiracy to commit a criminal offence, using an imitation firearm in the commission of a crime, robbery with violence, forcible confinement, pointing a firearm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and disguise with intent.

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Keino Heath, 25, of Oshawa, was charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit a crime, robbery with violence and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.

David Newman, 24, of Ajax, was charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit a crime, robbery with violence and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.

Roderick Newman, 32, of Coburg, was charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit a crime, possession of a firearm contrary to a prohibition order, four counts of forcible confinement, two counts of robbery with violence, three counts of robbery with a firearm. , four counts of willful disguise and two counts of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, use of an imitation firearm and four counts of pointing a firearm. He also faces four charges of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and three counts of possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm.

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Akeem Williams, 32, of Ajax, is charged with conspiracy to commit a crime, robbery with a firearm, forcible detention, pointing a firearm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possession of a prohibited or restricted loaded firearm, disguise with intent and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000. to be under.

Although charges have been laid, the investigation is ongoing and police urge anyone with information to contact their local police, the OPP at 1-888-310-1122, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) . ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

The investigation also included support from the OPP Gray Bruce Detachment from Canadian Forensic Services and the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre.

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