April Fool’s Day robbery of a company that recharges private ATMs raised more than $ 1 million
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Surveillance video of a weak-armed criminal opening a cash-laden garbage bag too heavy for him inspired the name of the Toronto Police investigation into a violent robbery earlier this year that has left seven in custody and an eighth slope.
On Tuesday, police released details of Project Heavy Bag, an April Fool’s Day robbery investigation that generated more than $ 1 million in cash.
Just before 9 a.m. on April 1, two gunmen confronted employees of a business near Carlingview Dr. and Dixon Rd. That recharges privately owned ATMs.
Surveillance video shows two masked men forcing an employee into the business at gunpoint and forcing a second employee into a cash room.
One thug stuffed cash into a garbage bag while the other hit the employee over the head with his gun.
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However, when one of the criminals chose to drag the bag outside instead of carrying it, wads of cash were spilled in the parking lot.
Weeks later, on May 17, officers attended an unsuccessful home search near Kipling Rd. And Steeles Ave.
“While police were verifying the occupants’ well-being, they recovered approximately $ 160,000 that was later determined to have been stolen during the course of the (April) robbery,” Insp. Richard Harris said.
Police made their first arrest on September 9, stopping a car near Queen St. W. and Roncesvalles Ave.
Devante Virgo, 23, of Toronto, faces a series of charges, including conspiracy, robbery, non-compliance and numerous firearm offenses.
Also in Virgo’s car, cops allege, was a Glock pistol with an illegally large magazine, as well as Courtni Martin, 22, who is facing firearms charges.
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Five more suspects were arrested in the following days.
Search warrants listed seven more pistols with large capacity magazines, bulletproof vests and a large amount of cash and cocaine.
Facing numerous charges include Andrew Parsons, 22, Gabrielle Belsito, 26, and Michelle Belsito, 26, all from Toronto, and Phillip Nkrumah, 36, and Stephanie Nkrumah, 37, both from Caledon.
Police are still searching for Emmanuel Rawson of Toronto, 22, who is wanted on charges of robbery, firearms and possession.
Rawson is described as a 5-foot-7, 190-pound black man, who should be considered armed and dangerous.
Police say anyone who sees him should call 911.
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On twitter: @bryanpassifiume
Reference-torontosun.com