Police have charged an Ottawa man in connection with three separate downtown robberies.
On Aug. 16, 2013, at about 12:05 a.m., a man and woman were in an ATM vestibule along the 400 block of Preston Street when a lone male suspect, armed with a knife, entered and compelled the two victims to withdraw cash from their accounts. The suspect fled with an undisclosed quantity of money. No one was hurt.
On Aug. 17, 2013, at about 12:45 a.m., a lone suspect entered a gas station along the 600 block of Somerset Street West. The suspect, armed with a knife, demanded cash and jumped onto the counter. Two customers pulled the suspect off the counter and a fight ensued. The suspect broke free and fled empty handed. No one was hurt.
On Aug. 18, 2013, at about 8:50 p.m., a victim was in an ATM vestibule along the 400 block of Rideau Street when a suspect, again armed with a knife, entered and demanded the cash that the victim had just withdrawn. The suspect fled with an undisclosed quantity of money. No one was hurt.
In all cases, the suspect fled to a waiting vehicle and driver.
On Aug. 30, police arrested Alexander McNaughton, 27, of Ottawa, and charged him with five counts of robbery, three counts of possession of a weapon, three counts of wearing a disguise, two counts of assault with a weapon, and one count of breach of undertaking.
McNaughton will appear in court by video today.
The investigations are continuing. Police are seeking a second suspect in connection with this case. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police robbery unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5116 or Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477 (TIPS) or toll free at 1-800-222-8477.