UPDATE #1 Suspects Arrested in $1.4 Million Jewelry Store Robbery
Two males are in custody after an investigation into a $1.4 million jewelry store robbery in Ajax.
On Monday, December 30, 2024, at approximately 1:10 p.m., members of West Division responded to a robbery at VP Jewellery, located on Harwood Avenue North. Two male suspects entered the store, tied up an employee and stole an estimated $1.4 million of gold, silver and jewelry. The suspects fled the area on foot prior to police arrival.
On Monday, January 20, 2025, after further investigation by the Robbery Unit, with the assistance of the Video Analysis Unit, and the Offender Management Unit (OMU), the first suspect was located in the Hamilton area. The suspect was taken into custody without incident.
On Tuesday, January 21, 2025, members of the Robbery Unit, with the assistance of OMU, located the second suspect in North York, where he was taken into custody without incident. Subsequently, members of the Robbery Unit conducted a warrant at the residence of the second suspect.
Andrew MCFARLAND, age 37 of No Fixed Address is charged with: Robbery, Forcible Confinement, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000, Driving While Disqualified, Driving While Under Suspension, and Breach Probation x5.
Derek KOZAK, age 41 of Richmond Hill is charged with: Robbery, Disguise with Intent, Forcible Confinement, and Driving While Under Suspension.
Both were held for a bail hearing.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Robbery Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5355.
Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.
The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation. These allegations have yet to be proven in court.
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ORIGINAL RELEASE SENT ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2025
SUBJECT: Suspects Wanted in Jewelry Store Robbery