THUNDER BAY – NEWS – Police have added additional charges to following their investigation into three robberies at local businesses on Tuesday.
In an update released to media police have added additional information to the earlier report:
Thunder Bay Police Service has charged a 39-year-old Thunder Bay man in connection with those three separate robberies that occurred in the morning hours of Tuesday, December 10, 2019.
TBPS says that the first reported robbery took place just after 4 am at the Esso gas bar at 645 Arthur Street West. The second reported robbery took place just before 5 am at Santorelli’s Truck Stop at 3133 Arthur Street West.
Officers with the Uniform Patrol Branch were dispatched to a third reported robbery, which took place at the Circle K convenience store at 708 May Street, at about 9:45 am.
While en route to the third reported robbery, officers spotted a vehicle driving away from the convenience store. The vehicle and driver matched descriptors officers received from dispatch.
Officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the vehicle fled. Due to public safety concerns, the officers discontinued their pursuit. A short time later, officers again spotted the vehicle and suspect in the Oliver Paipoonge area.
Officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the suspect again ignored police and fled.
In an effort to stop the suspect from fleeing, officers used a spike strip. The spike strip was successful, but the driver continued his attempts to flee from police. Due to the damaged tires, the vehicle came to a stop in the area of Taylor Drive and Rosslyn Road.
Police arrested the suspect without further incident.
The male suspect was transported to the Thunder Bay Police Service headquarters, where a trained Drug Recognition Expert evaluated the accused and determined he was impaired by drug.
Further investigation revealed the accused arrested in connection with the Circle K robbery was the same accused connected to the other previous reported robberies.
William Edward THOMAS, 39, of Thunder Bay, is charged with:
• Robbery x 3
• Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle x 2
• Flight from Peace Officer x 2
• Operation While Impaired by Alcohol and Drugs
He appeared in bail court on Wednesday, Dec. 11 and was remanded into custody with a future appearance date.
