Five people are in custody following a robbery at Oshawa Centre on March 29, 2026, where thieves used bear spray to target a jewelry store. The incident took place at approximately 3:45 p.m. at Bellagio Jewellers II.
According to the Durham Regional Police Service, four masked individuals entered the shop and used bear spray to incapacitate those nearby while smashing glass display cases with hammers and other tools. A fifth person waited outside in a getaway vehicle.
Bystanders at the mall intervened during the robbery, tackling two of the suspects and restraining them until security and police arrived. While the actions of these individuals prevented the suspects from fleeing immediately, the police have issued a reminder that the public should avoid engaging with suspects in dangerous situations. Officials advise that anyone witnessing a crime should call 911 and focus on gathering information rather than risking their own safety.
Following the initial confrontation, the remaining suspects fled in a vehicle, which was involved in a minor collision at Stevenson Road North and King Street West. The individuals attempted to escape on foot but were tracked down and arrested with the help of the police department’s K-9 unit. A two-year-old dog named Mack was instrumental in the foot chase.
The Oshawa Fire Department attended the scene to assist with ventilation after the use of bear spray caused minor irritation for some shoppers and staff. No serious injuries were reported, and the mall remained open following the police investigation.
The five individuals charged include three adults—18-year-old Romario Abraham, 22-year-old Coulton Peters-McComb, and 40-year-old Ryan MacPhail—along with a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old. They face various charges, including robbery, conspiracy, and possession of stolen property. The 15-year-old also faces a charge of administering a noxious substance. All five individuals were held for a bail hearing.
