The Thunder Bay Police Service has charged a 39-year-old Thunder Bay man in connection with three separate robberies that occurred in the morning hours of Tuesday, Dec. 10.
The first reported robbery took place just after 4 a.m. at the Esso gas bar at 645 Arthur Street West. The second reported robbery took place just before 5 a.m. at Santorelli’s Truck Stop at 3133 Arthur Street West.
Officers with the Uniform Patrol Branch were dispatched to a third reported robbery, which took place at the Circle K convenience store at 708 May Street, at about 9:45 a.m.
While en route to the third reported robbery, officers spotted a vehicle driving away from the convenience store. The vehicle and driver matched descriptors officers received from dispatch.
Officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the vehicle fled. Due to public safety concerns the officers discontinued their pursuit. A short time later, officers again spotted the vehicle and suspect in the Oliver Paipoonge area.
Officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the suspect again ignored police and fled.
In an effort to stop the suspect from fleeing, officers used a spike strip. The spike strip was successful, but the driver continued his attempts to flee from police. Due to the damaged tires, the vehicle came to a stop in the area of Taylor Drive and Rosslyn Road.
Police arrested the suspect without further incident.
The male suspect was transported to the Thunder Bay Police Service headquarters, where a trained Drug Recognition Expert evaluated the accused and determined he was impaired by drug.
Further investigation revealed the accused arrested in connection with the Circle K robbery was the same accused connected to the other previous reported robberies.
William Edward THOMAS, 39, of Thunder Bay, is charged with:
• Robbery x 3
• Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle x 2
• Flight from Peace Officer x 2
• Operation While Impaired by Alcohol and Drugs
He appeared in bail court on Wednesday, Dec. 11 and was remanded into custody with a future appearance date.