Noxious spray used in store robbery
Bear repellent suspected in heist that led to ventilation of drugstore location
A drugstore in Windsor was evacuated after a pair of robbers used a “noxious spray” in the process of a daytime heist, say police.
The crime happened shortly before 4:50 p.m. on Saturday at the Shoppers Drug Mart location at the corner of Tecumseh Road East and Howard Avenue.
Officers discovered upon arrival that some kind of spray had been used during the incident. All occupants of the building were ushered outside. Some who were exposed to the spray were given treatment.
There were no serious injuries, but the building needed to be ventilated by firefighters.
After investigating, police learned that two people with covered faces had entered the business by its rear entrance. One of the suspects was carrying what appeared to be a shotgun.
The robbers went straight to the pharmacy area of the store and took a quantity of narcotics.
During the crime, one of the suspects became involved in a physical confrontation with a customer.
The masked male used the spray — believed to be bear repellent — on the customer.
The two suspects fled the store the same way they came in. They were last seen getting into a newer model Ford F-150 pickup truck, grey in colour.
The store was closed for several hours while forensic officers examined the scene.
One robber was described as a white male with a heavy build and a bald head.
At the time of the crime, he was wearing a baggy grey sweatshirt with a white T-shirt underneath, blue pants, and white running shoes. His face was covered with a black balaclava.
He was armed with suspected bear spray.
The second robber was described as a white male with a medium build and brown hair.
At the time of the crime, he was wearing a red hooded sweatshirt, an orange traffic vest, and blue jeans. His face was hidden by a gas mask. He was armed with a suspected shotgun.
Anyone with further information about this crime, these individuals, or the suspect vehicle is encouraged to call investigators at 519-255-6700 ext. 4830.
Anonymous tips can be made via Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 or catchcrooks.com.