Windsor police say three people have been charged and a fourth person is sought following a string of armed robberies.
Officers were first called to Wyandotte Street West near Bridge Avenue at around 5 a.m. on Sunday. A man approached someone sitting in a parked car, brandished a knife, and demanded that the driver get out. The suspect then took off with the victim's vehicle and wallet.
Credit and debit cards that were in the wallet were reportedly used at several businesses, and the vehicle was later found abandoned in LaSalle.
At around 4 a.m. on Monday, another incident was reported near the intersection of Rankin Avenue and University Avenue West. Police reported that a black Dodge Ram stopped in front of a person’s vehicle. A man then got out and sprayed a noxious substance at the victim, who managed to get away.
A short time after that, another robbery was reported on Millen Street near Brock Street. A man allegedly approached an individual, demanded their car keys and cellphone, and then sprayed the victim with bear spray. The suspect then fled in the victim’s car, followed by a black Dodge Ram.
The Major Crimes Unit quickly identified all four suspects.
A 21-year-old was arrested on Monday in LaSalle, charged with two counts of armed robbery, two counts of administering a noxious substance, three counts of wearing a disguise to commit an offence, and one count apiece of assault with a weapon, possession of a stolen bank card, and unauthorized use of a bank card.
A 24-year-old man and a 30-year-old man were arrested on Tuesday. Each are charged with armed robbery.
A fourth suspect, identified as 22-year-old Ivan Albert Labutte, is wanted for two counts each of possession and use of a stolen credit card, and one count of armed robbery.
Labutte is described as White, 6’ 2”, with a slender build, brown eyes, and brown hair.
Anyone with information on Labutte's whereabouts, or any of the incidents, should call Windsor police's Major Crimes Unit at (519) 255-6700, extension 4830. Anonymous tips may be submitted to Crime Stoppers at (519) 258-TIPS (8477).
