WELLINGTON COUNTY – Police have arrested a suspect following an afternoon crime spree involving several armed carjackings.
On April 2 at about 12pm Wellington County OPP responded to a report of a robbery on Marden Road near Highway 6 north of Guelph.
“It was reported that a suspect flagged down a motorist while brandishing a weapon and forcing the victim out of the vehicle,” police stated in a press release.
“As the suspect fled northbound on Highway 6, they collided with another vehicle. The suspect did not stop at the scene of the accident.”
At about 1pm, the same suspect went to a house in Rothsay and forced another victim out of their vehicle after threatening them with a weapon.
At about 1:15 pm, the suspect entered a home on Wellington Road 7 near Ponsonby, confronted the homeowners and demanded that they turn over their vehicle keys, police say.
“When they refused, the suspect left the residence and approached a vehicle that was stopped on Wellington Road 7,” police stated.
“Again, the suspect threatened a motorist with a weapon and forced the victim out of their vehicle.”
Police say officers arrived on scene and arrested the suspect as he attempted to flee.
“The suspect assaulted an OPP officer during a brief struggle. The officer received minor injuries,” police stated.
None of the victims sustained injuries.
Frank Dawes, 42, of no fixed address, was charged with:
- two counts of robbery;
- attempted robbery;
- dangerous driving;
- failing to remain at the scene of an accident;
- unlawfully entering a dwelling;
- flight from police;
- assault with intent to resist arrest;
- obstructing a peace officer; and
- driving while disqualified.
He was held in custody pending a bail hearing in Guelph court.
Police are asking anyone with information about these events to contact Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a tip on-line at www.csgw.tips. Tip providers may be eligible for a reward from Crime Stoppers of up to $2,000.
