Key Points
- A man and woman have been charged in connection with an armed robbery at a store in east London, Ontario.
- The incident occurred on 5 August 2025, around 7:30 p.m., at Hamilton Road and Highbury Avenue North.
- The suspects allegedly filled bags with food items and attempted to leave without paying.
- Police reported that the male suspect pulled out a hand-held stun gun and pointed it at a store employee.
- Both suspects fled in a vehicle before police could locate them.
- Descriptions of the pair were released publicly by the London Police Service (LPS) on 21 November 2025.
- Two suspects – a 44-year-old man and a 40-year-old woman, both London residents – were arrested later.
- Both face one count of armed robbery each.
- The male suspect is scheduled to appear in London court on 22 January 2026, the female suspect on 15 January 2026.
A man and a woman have been jointly charged after an extensive months-long investigation into an armed robbery at a store in east London, Ontario, police confirmed earlier this week.
According to the London Police Service, officers arrested the two suspects in connection with the August robbery at a retail business at the intersection of Hamilton Road and Highbury Avenue North.
As reported by Free Press journalist Dale Carruthers in The London Free Press, police said the incident took place at approximately 7:30 p.m. on 5 August 2025, when the accused allegedly attempted to steal food items and later threatened an employee with a weapon.
What happened during the east London robbery?
Police reports detailed that the two suspects entered the store, taking several food items off the shelves before placing them into reusable shopping bags. When they attempted to leave without paying, a store employee confronted them to stop the alleged theft.
As further reported by CBC London News, police said that at this point, the male suspect brandished what was described as a hand-held stun gun and aimed it at the employee. The pair then fled the scene in a vehicle, escaping before officers could arrive.
The London Police Service Media Relations Unit stated that no one was physically harmed during the incident, but the episode left staff “shaken” as investigators later reviewed surveillance footage and witness accounts to track down the suspects.
How did police identify the suspects?
Following months of investigation, officers were unable to locate the pair immediately after the incident. Detectives with the Major Crime Section worked alongside Forensic Identification Officers to piece together evidence gathered from the crime scene, including CCTV footage and witness statements.
As reported by CTV News London’s Alana Everson, the London Police Service on 21 November 2025 publicly released a description of the two suspects, urging anyone with information to come forward. The media release described the man as being of medium build and the woman as having long brown hair.
Community members responded with tips that proved vital in identifying the individuals responsible.
When were the suspects arrested?
Police confirmed that arrests were made in late December following a successful identification process. Both suspects, a 44-year-old man and a 40-year-old woman, are residents of London, Ontario.
According to a statement released by Constable Sandasha Bough, LPS spokesperson, the two were taken into custody without incident. Officers seized items of evidence believed to be connected to the robbery, though those details have not been publicly disclosed at this stage to protect the integrity of the ongoing prosecution.
What charges have been laid?
Both suspects face one count of armed robbery, as confirmed by the London Police Service in their media briefing on Tuesday.
As noted in Global News London’s coverage by Matthew Trevithick, the male accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in London on 22 January 2026, while the female co-accused will appear one week earlier on 15 January 2026.
Neither suspect’s name has been publicly released by police at this time, following standard police practice in active investigations until first court appearances.
What has the police said about community safety?
Investigators emphasised that no ongoing threat remains to the public. As per statements made by Constable Bough to CTV News London, the arrests highlight the importance of community assistance and collaboration in resolving violent incidents.
“We are grateful for the cooperation of the public and the persistent work of our officers,” Constable Bough stated. “This case demonstrates the dedication of our investigative teams in ensuring public safety.”
Police encouraged anyone with further information regarding similar incidents to contact the London Police Service non-emergency line or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
How does this case reflect broader crime trends in London?
According to CBC News Ontario, east London has reported a rise in retail thefts and related armed incidents since early 2024, prompting increased patrols and the use of enhanced technology such as street cameras and digital forensics.
In an annual report released by London Police Chief Thai Truong, robbery-related offences rose by 11.3% citywide in 2025 compared to the previous year. Police attribute this increase partly to economic stressors and the higher accessibility of non-lethal weapons like stun guns.
Chief Truong, speaking to The London Free Press in November, remarked that “even when low-value property thefts occur, they have potential to escalate quickly, placing civilians and workers at unnecessary risk.”
What happens next in the legal process?
Both accused individuals remain free on conditional release pending their court dates, according to court documents obtained by The London Free Press. Conditions reportedly include non-contact with the store employee involved and a prohibition from possessing any weapons, including stun devices.
Legal experts anticipate that prosecutors will rely on surveillance video, witness testimony, and physical evidence recovered during arrest operations. If convicted, under Canada’s Criminal Code, armed robbery can result in a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, although sentences typically vary depending on mitigating circumstances.
What can the public learn from this incident?
Police have taken the opportunity to remind local businesses to enhance their in-store safety protocols. As outlined in guidance published by CTV London News, business owners are advised to:
- Install visible security cameras and panic alarms.
- Train staff on how to safely respond to theft incidents.
- Avoid direct confrontation with armed or aggressive suspects.
- Report suspicious activity immediately.
Community vigilance, combined with technology and transparent police communication, can significantly deter violent incidents, according to criminology experts interviewed by CBC London.
