The Waterloo Regional Police Service arrested a 60-year-old Kitchener man on April 5, 2026, in connection with four commercial robberies at multiple Kitchener businesses. The arrest follows a string of incidents that began in late March and prompted a coordinated response from multiple police units.
The first incident took place on March 29, 2026, when a man entered a business near Belmont Avenue and Glasgow Street. He brandished a knife and demanded cash before fleeing the scene. No items were taken and no injuries were reported during this encounter.
The situation continued on April 4, 2026, when three additional robberies occurred between 9:55 p.m. and 10:50 p.m. at locations near Belmont Avenue West and Glasgow Street, as well as King Street West and Andrew Street. In these instances, the suspect again used a knife to confront employees. Only the final robbery resulted in stolen property, with the suspect making off with a cash register containing cash. No injuries were reported in any of these cases.
Police were able to identify and locate the suspect with the help of surveillance footage provided by local businesses. The arrest involved the Direct Action Response Team, North Patrol, and the Emergency Response Team, with the Break and Enter, Auto Theft, and Robbery (BEAR) Unit assuming carriage of the investigation.
The man now faces 13 charges, including four counts of robbery with a weapon, four counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, four counts of disguise with intent, and charges related to uttering threats and possession of an identity document. The accused was held in custody for a bail hearing.