A violent smash‑and‑grab robbery at the Oshawa Centre triggered chaos Sunday afternoon, ending with bystanders tackling suspects to the ground and police arresting all five alleged offenders after a brief foot chase.
Durham police confirmed the incident after videos circulated widely online showing shoppers restraining two suspects inside the mall as officers rushed in. The footage captured the aftermath of what investigators describe as a coordinated robbery involving multiple masked males and the use of bear spray inside the jewellery store.
Police say the incident began around 3:45 p.m. on March 29, when four males stormed a jewellery store inside the Oshawa Centre at 419 King Street West. The suspects smashed display cases while a fifth accomplice waited in a getaway vehicle outside the mall.
A police spokesperson said that during the robbery, one of the suspects deployed bear spray, sending irritants through the store and into the surrounding mall area.
Oshawa Fire responded to help ventilate the building, and several people suffered minor injuries from exposure to the spray. Those injuries were treated at the scene.
As the suspects fled the mall, their vehicle was involved in a minor collision, police said. Instead of stopping, the group abandoned the car and attempted to escape on foot. Police confirmed all five suspects were taken into custody shortly afterward.
Police said Romario Abraham, 18, from Mississauga, is charged with robbery, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, and leaving the scene of an accident.
Coulton Peters-McComb, 22, from Barrie, is charged with robbery, possession of a prohibited weapon, disguise with intent, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, and four counts of possession of a schedule I substance.
Ryan MacPhail, 40 of no fixed address, is charged with robbery, disguise with intent, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, and two counts of failure to comply with probation.
At the time of his arrest, MacPhail was already on weapons prohibition conditions.
A 15-year-old male from Mississauga is charged with robbery, disguise with intent, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, and administering a noxious substance.
A 17-year-old male from Brampton is charged with robbery, disguise with intent, possession of property obtained by crime $5,000, and Conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.
All were held for a bail hearing.
Oshawa Centre remained open following the incident, though parts of the mall were temporarily affected by the bear spray ventilation efforts.
Durham police say the investigation remains active, with officers reviewing surveillance footage, witness statements and the widely shared online videos. Anyone with information is asked to contact local authorities.