Arrests Made in Robbery
in City Of Vaughan

Vaughan - Great work by officers from #4 District Headquarters, supported by the Air Support, Hold-Up and Canine Units, has resulted in the arrest of three men in connection with a robbery in the City of Vaughan.

On Tuesday, February 19, 2008, at approximately 10:45 p.m., three males entered the Esso gas station located at Highway 27 and Langstaff Road. One suspect stayed near the front door to act as a lookout. The other two suspects, brandishing handguns, demanded money from the two clerks. A quantity of cash was handed over and the suspects left the store, getting into a nearby vehicle and driving eastbound on Langstaff Road.

The victims were not injured during this incident.

A short time later the suspect vehicle, which was stolen from Peel Region, was spotted by #4 District patrol officers at the Esso gas station located at Major Mackenzie Drive West and Jane Street. The York Regional Police helicopter Air2 joined in conducting observations of the vehicle as it drove westbound on Major Mackenzie Drive West and then northbound on Highway 400. Patrol and Hold-Up Unit officers attempted to

stop the vehicle as it exited Highway 9. The suspect vehicle evaded police and returned to Highway 400, travelling southbound. Several cruisers then surrounded the vehicle, forcing it to stop.

The three suspects fled from the vehicle but were apprehended by officers after a short foot pursuit.

CHARGED:

• Billidean MCBEAN, 24, of Vaughan

• Rowan COOPER, 25, of Brampton

• Martin WHITE, 25, of Brampton

CHARGES:

• Robbery with a Firearm x 2

• Pointing a Firearm x 2

• Disguise with Intent to Commit an Indictable

Offence x 2

Mr. MCBEAN also faces charges of Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle and Failing to Stop for Police.

All three accused have been held in custody and will appear by video sometime today before the Ontario Court of Justice in Newmarket.

Investigators from York, Toronto, Peel and Halton Police have been working together to investigate the involvement of the accused in relation to other recent robbery occurrences. The investigation is continuing.