Police search for fourth suspect in robbery of marijuana business

Three people are in custody and Hamilton police continue to search for one other suspect after an armed robbery at a James Street North medical marijuana dispensary.

Hamilton police were called to Delta Nine at 303 James St. N. – near Barton Street West - shortly after 11:30 p.m. Tuesday after four male suspects, at least one armed with a gun, entered the dispensary, said Const. Jerome Stewart.

They fled before police arrived, but witnesses were able to point out the direction they fled, which was vital to arresting the three suspects soon after, Stewart said. The three were captured by the canine unit.

To protect the integrity of the investigation, he said police are not revealing at this time whether the suspects accessed any cash or goods, or if they fled empty-handed.

The BEAR (break, enter, auto theft, robbery) unit is investigating and are asking for public help identifying the fourth suspect, described as a black male with a slim build, between five-foot-eight and five-foot-10.

Two of the accused, 21-year-old Daniel Hirtle of Hamilton and a 17year-old male from Hamilton who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, were already wanted in connection with a robbery at another dispensary — Buds and Roses at 245 Kenilworth Ave. N. on Nov. 8.

Hirtle is charged with two counts of robbery with a firearm, two counts of disguise with intent and four counts of failure to comply with probation.

The 17-year-old was also charged in connection with another robbery at a KFC restaurant Nov. 8. He’s charged with four counts of robbery with a firearm, four counts of disguise with intent, four counts of failing to comply with bail.

Another 17-year-old male from Hamilton who similarly can’t be named was charged with robbery with a firearm and disguise with intent in connection with the Tuesday night robbery.