Two arrested in alleged John Street robbery

THUNDER BAY – Two individuals are facing robbery and firearms-related charges following an incident in the John Street area on Monday.

Thunder Bay police responded to reports of individuals in possession of firearms around 7 p.m. along the 700 block of John Street. Officers learned two male suspects had allegedly robbed and assaulted a victim before fleeing the scene.

The major crime and forensic identification units became involved in the investigation and the break, enter and robbery unit found the suspects in the area of Academy Drive. The emergency task unit also responded to help with the arrests.

The suspects were arrested after a foot pursuit according to a news release from police. The release also said they also found a discarded backpack that contained a loaded firearm and that a quantity of suspected cocaine and cash were also found.

Two men, both 20 years old and from the Greater Toronto Area, are facing charges of: pointing a firearm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, robbery using a firearm, resisting a peace officer, possession of property obtained by crime and possession for the purpose of trafficking.

One of the suspects is also charged with possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition, unauthorized possession of a firearm and careless use of a firearm.

Both accused individuals appeared in court in Wednesday and remain in custody with future court appearance dates.

It is Newswatch policy not to name people accused of crimes if the case is unlikely to be followed to conclusion through the courts.