By Chad Ingram

The OPP have charged a 46-year-old Minden Hills man with a number of offences following robberies in Coboconk and Orillia carried out with a taser.

On Sunday, Oct. 25 at approximately 8 a.m. OPP were called to Coboconk where a person at an ATM was approached by a man brandishing a conducted energy weapon and demanding cash. The victim, who was not injured, handed over $300 and the suspect fled by foot.

A similar incident took place around 6 a.m. the next morning, Monday, Oct. 26 in Orillia, when a person using a drive-through ATM was approached by a man carrying a taser and demanding cash. In that case, according to the OPP, the victim drove away, leaving their card in the machine. The suspect then tried, unsuccessfully, to withdraw cash.

In both cases, the suspect was described as being a man in his 30s or 40s, about 5’7, dressed in black clothing.

On Friday, Oct. 30, the OPP in conjunction with York Regional Police identified a suspect, arresting him in the Township of Ramara. He has been charged with robbery with a weapon; possession of a weapon for dangerous purposes; and unauthorized use of a weapon. Police believe the suspect was also involved in two attempted robberies at convenience stores in Gravenhurst on the morning of Oct. 26.

Investigations are ongoing, and anyone with any information is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

The suspect will appear in court in Orillia on Dec. 1.