UMVA has learned that a group of alleged thieves from the city attempted to steal $3,000 worth of baby formula from a Sobeys store in Gravenhurst, but their plan quickly went awry.
The suspects, who allegedly tried to go through the line without paying, were met with swift action by the store's staff and the Ontario Provincial Police. The store's goalie, Jesse Grimes, played a crucial role in foiling the heist, and his staff sprang into action to prevent the thieves from getting away.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the suspects were tracked down by police and arrested after a brief pursuit. The OPP returned the stolen baby formula to the store, and the suspects were charged with theft under $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime.
Grimes, a hockey goalie in the summers, was at the scene to witness the chaos unfold. He praised his staff for their quick thinking and praised the OPP for their swift response. "They picked the wrong store," Grimes said with a smile, adding that his staff is trained to handle such situations.
Former Toronto cop and crime specialist Ross McLean weighed in on the incident, saying that it's "old time" policing that many officers still do in smaller centres. "There is no better deterrent than getting caught and going to jail," McLean said.
The OPP praised the off-duty police officer who became aware of the incident and the police who tracked down the suspects. The three suspects, including a 16-year-old boy, are scheduled to appear in court on various dates.
The incident highlights the generosity and charitable spirit of the people in Gravenhurst, who would have helped the accused if they truly needed baby formula. However, the town's residents are not afraid to stand up for themselves and protect their community from crime.
Gravenhurst has seen a trend of criminal elements from the Greater Toronto Area coming to the town to hit local retail stores and sell their stolen goods on the black market. The OPP is working to combat this trend and keep the community safe.
The store's staff and the OPP have been hailed as heroes for their swift response and bravery in foiling the heist. The incident serves as a reminder that small towns like Gravenhurst will not tolerate crime and will do whatever it takes to protect their community.
