A combination of witness descriptions and swift police work resulted in the arrest of five suspects in connection with a jewelry store robbery at the Georgian Mall in Barrie.
Just before 2 p.m. on Monday, police say the suspects entered the store, smashed display cabinets and stole jewelry before fleeing to the lower-level parking lot, where they fled in a waiting car.
"Police were provided with a detailed description of the getaway car that included the licence plate number from witnesses, and very quickly were able to confirm that it had been stolen last week in Toronto," police said in a news release.
Police located the vehicle as it was travelling southbound on Highway 400 at Mapleview Drive and followed it to the Innisfil Beach Road exit, but the driver lost control and left the road.
The suspects fled on foot, but Barrie officers were in the area and quickly took them into custody.
The five accused, ranging in age from 16 to 21, and from Toronto, Mississauga and Barrie, have been charged with robbery with violence, disguise with intent, flight from a peace officer, dangerous operation, possess stolen property over $5,000, and possess stolen property under $5,000.
Police say one of the accused, a 17-year-old, was found with a loaded semi-automatic firearm.
As a result, he is numerous firearm offences.
All five have bail hearings scheduled on Tuesday.
The Barrie Police Service thanks the public for providing detailed information that resulted in the arrests of the robbery suspects.
