Ottawa man charged in Rideau Centre armed robbery
Posted Feb 23, 2022 02:16:17 PM.
One man is facing charges in connection with an attempted armed robbery at the Rideau Centre.
Around 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday, February 22, the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) received several calls reporting an armed man inside the mall.
Police say a suspect had stolen from a business in the mall, and when confronted by a loss prevention officer, pulled out a firearm and fled on foot. The suspect was arrested a short distance away and taken into custody.
There were no injuries reported but the shopping centre had to be evacuated and there was a large police presence in the area throughout the afternoon.
The incident also happened on the same day the shopping centre reopened following a three-week closure due to the so-called 'Freedom Rally' convoy protest.
Carlos Smythe, 50, of Ottawa, has been charged with robbery and several firearms-related offences in relation to the incident.
The OPS says there is no further safety concerns and the investigation continues.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Robbery Unit at (613) 236-1222 extension 5116 or call Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at www.crimestoppers.ca.
