One charged in armed robbery at Bayshore Mall, 4 remain at large

Ottawa police laid several charges against a man in connection with an armed robbery of a jewellery store at a west-end mall.

It happened March 9 around 11:05 a.m., when four people entered Bayshore Mall and headed for a jewellery store. They threatened a security guard and later fled in a vehicle driven by another suspect, taking items with them.

Police said they charged Adriano Palmieri, 29, with:

• Conspiracy to commit an indictable offence
• Robbery
• Possess weapon dangerous to public peace
• Possess prohibited weapon knowing no authority

The other four suspects are still unaccounted for and police are hoping the public can help identify them.

Suspect 1: A tanned-skinned man wearing eyeglasses, a black face mask, a grey hoodie under a black jacket, red sweatpants, and white running shoes. He was carrying a sledgehammer/mallet and had a white reusable bag slung around his neck.

Suspect 2: A dark-skinned man wearing a face mask, a black hooded jacket, black sweatpants with a white stripe down the sides, and black shoes. He was carrying a duffel bag.

Suspect 3: A dark-skinned man wearing a face mask, a green hooded sweater, a black vest, light blue jeans, and black shoes. He was also carrying a sledgehammer/mallet.

Suspect 4: A dark-skinned man wearing a face mask, jeans, a green and white varsity-style jacket with a white hood, and white shoes.

Open Gallery 4 items

Warning from police

This comes as Ottawa police issued a warning to members of the public of increasing distraction thefts targeting jewellery, wallets and phones.

The force said that in these incidents, a suspect(s) approach people alone in public spaces, like parking lots, and strike up a conversation under “false pretenses.” Some examples police said include looking for directions or offering a gift.

In many cases, officials say they attempt to place a piece of jewellery, like a necklace, around the victim’s neck while distracting them.

“These suspects are known to use charm and deception to get close, and they often target visible jewellery or personal belongings,” police said in a press release.

Although thieves could be targeting jewellery, other items could also be at risk.

A few ways for people to protect themselves according to officers:

• Avoid displaying expensive or sentimental jewellery in public; keep it covered when possible.
• Stay alert to your surroundings, especially in parking lots and less busy areas.
• Do not allow strangers to invade your personal space or touch you — if someone tries to place an object on you, it’s a red flag.
• If approached by a stranger under suspicious circumstances, walk away and seek help if needed.