Fort Frances OPP announced this morning they have made arrests in connection to the robberies—and attempted robberies—of several local businesses over the past few months.
Members of the Fort Frances OPP arrested Neil Craig Brown, 35, and Pamela Marie Magel, 24, both residents of Portage La Prairie, Man., on Friday
Both have been charged with two counts each of robbery using a firearm.
Brown also has been charged with failing to stop at the scene of an accident stemming from a motor vehicle collision that occurred Jan. 3.
The pair have been remanded into custody and were scheduled to appear in court here today.
The arrests marked the end of tense weeks for some local business owners, which have seen four stores hit since the beginning of December.
The most recent holdup was at Einar’s Foods on Jan. 3. In that incident, the culprit left the store on foot with no money.
Rainy Lake Sports and Tackle was robbed at gunpoint on Dec. 30—a day after Sparky’s Confectionery had been hit.
Sparky’s also was held up back on Dec. 4—the same evening the culprit had tried to rob Franko’s Grocery but fled without getting any money.
The crime spree began Sept. 22 when a culprit held up the East End Confectionery brandishing a handgun. The person was given an undisclosed amount of cash and then fled the store on foot.
In other police news, Emo OPP officers investigated a motor-vehicle collision on Highway 11, about one km west of Off Lake Road, shortly after 1 p.m. on Friday.
The driver of a westbound vehicle lost control of her vehicle as a result of icy road conditions and struck an eastbound vehicle.
The occupants of both vehicles sustained minor injuries and were transported to La Verendrye Health Centre for treatment.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
