London police say a man is facing charges after shoppers at a grocery store tackled a would-be armed robber.
On Wednesday afternoon around 5:35, police say a man armed with a handgun robbed the Petro-Canada gas bar at 614 Fanshawe Park Rd. E.
Less than 90 minutes later, a man armed with a handgun walked into the Freshco grocery store at 645 Commissioners Rd. E and demanded money from a clerk. Several bystanders stepped in and contained the man, getting the gun out of his hand.
It turned out to be an imitation handgun.
Police arrived and arrested a suspect.
A 44-year-old man is charged with armed robbery, robbery assault with intent to steal, five counts of using an imitation firearm during the commission of an indictable offence, two counts of carrying a concealed weapon, and two counts of assault with a weapon.
No injuries were reported in either robbery.
"While we are thankful that by-standers were able to assist in the apprehension of the suspect in these matters, we want to take this opportunity to remind the citizens of London, that when they approach an individual known to be in possession of a weapon, they are placing themselves in danger and are reminded instead to go to a place of safety and contact 911 immediately," police said in a release.
Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to call the London Police Service at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent in on-line anonymously to www.londoncrimestoppers.com.
