The Toronto Police Service's Hold Up Squad has made three arrests in an armed robbery investigation where $1.3 million worth of property was allegedly stolen.
On Wednesday, April 29, 2020, officers responded to a call for an armed retail store robbery in the Leslie Street and Elgin Mills Road East area of York Region.
It is alleged that:
- a man entered a store, pulled out a black handgun and pointed it at an employee
- a second man then entered the store and the two men tied up the employee
- the men took a large amount of jewellery and the employee’s car keys
- the men got into the employee’s car and fled the scene
- the car was eventually located abandoned after being set on fire
On Saturday, November 28, 2020, officers responded to a call for an armed retail store robbery in the
Bathurst Street and Sheppard Avenue West area of Toronto.
It is further alleged that:
- a man entered a store armed with a handgun and a knife
- the man assaulted the employee and then tied them up
- the man took a large amount of jewellery and the employee’s car keys
- the man got into the employee’s car and fled the scene
- the car was eventually located abandoned after being set on fire
Through funding provided by the Ontario Government, the Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario supported a year-long investigation started by TPS' Hold Up Squad. With further assistance from the Ontario Provincial Police, York Regional Police's Hold Up Squad, Durham Regional Police, Toronto's Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force, Toronto's Intelligence Services, 41 and 42 Division's Major Crime Units, 33 Division, Toronto's Drug Squad and Toronto's Court Services, they were able to identify three men involved in the robberies.
It is further alleged that:
- the Hold Up Squad conducted twelve search warrants and located three men involved
- clothing worn during the robberies was located
- a large amount of the stolen jewellery was recovered
- a loaded 9mm Ruger handgun was located
On Thursday, April 22, 2021, Shawn Fries, 55, of Woodville, was arrested. He is facing the following twenty three charges:
1. two counts of Robbery with a Firearm
2. Disguise with Intent
3. two counts of Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence
4. Pointing a Firearm
5. Forcible Confinement
6. Assault With a Weapon
7. two counts of Arson Causing Damage to Property
8. Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
9. Possession of Restricted Weapon Knowing it’s Possession is Unauthorized
10. Possession of Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
11. Possession of a Firearm Obtained by Crime
12. two counts of Careless Storage of a Firearm
13. two counts of Possession of a Firearm Contrary to Prohibition Order
14. two counts of Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over
15. three counts of Fail to Comply Release Order
He appeared in court on Thursday, April 22, 2021. His next scheduled appearance was at 1000 Finch Avenue West, on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at 10 a.m., in room 301.
On Thursday, April 22, 2021, Julianno Petrella, 22, of Woodville, was arrested. He is facing the following nineteen charges:
1. two counts of Robbery With a Firearm
2. two counts of Disguise With Intent
3. two counts of Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence
4. two counts of Forcible Confinement
5. Assault With a Weapon
6. two counts of Arson Causing Damage to Property
7. two counts of Possession of Firearm Contrary to Prohibition Order
8. two counts of Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over
9. four counts of Fail to Comply Probation Order
He appeared in court on Thursday, April 22, 2021. His next scheduled appearance was at 1000 Finch Avenue West, on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at 10 a.m., in room 301.
On Thursday, April 22, 2021, Aram Al-Kamisi, 26, of Bowmanville, was arrested. He is facing the following two charges:
1. Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence
2. Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over
He appeared in court for a Bail Hearing on Thursday, April 22, 2021. His next scheduled appearance is at 1000 Finch Avenue West, on Tuesday, June 1, 2021, at 10 a.m., in room 301.
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