Violent jewelry store robbery ends in high speed chase, police say

It’s been nearly one year since suspects allegedly smashed their way into a Georgian Mall store, and now it happened again.

It has been nearly one year since suspects allegedly smashed their way into Dia Amore Jewellers inside Georgian Mall, and now the Barrie store has been targeted once again.

On Aug. 26, 2024, four suspects reportedly shattered display cases, making off with hundreds of thousands of dollars in jewelry. Investigators at the time said it was possible that one of the suspects had a firearm, though no shots were fired. Officials told CTV News that one person suffered minor injuries during the event.

• Police seek 4 suspects accused of armed robbery at Barrie mall

“We work hard all our lives,” Dia Amore Jewellers owner Adam Amirzada told CTV News last summer. While in shock, Amirza was not surprised his store was robbed, saying those responsible for these robberies clearly don’t fear consequences from the courts.

On Monday, just before 2 p.m., police say five suspects targeted the Bayfield Street store, Amirzada confirming to CTV News that it was his, again. The group of men allegedly smashed display cabinets, stole jewelry, and fled to the lower parking lot, where they hopped into a waiting car.

Officers were provided with a description of the getaway vehicle by witnesses and quickly tracked down a Honda Civic heading southbound on Highway 400. Police followed the car until it attempted to exit at Innisfil Beach Road, but the driver lost control and skidded off the roadway. Police confirmed that the Honda Civic had allegedly been stolen last week in Toronto.

Officials say the suspects proceeded to run away but were arrested within 30 minutes of the initial call.

The accused, aged 16 to 21 from Toronto, Mississauga, and Barrie, face multiple charges, including robbery with violence, disguise with intent, possession of stolen property, flight from police, and dangerous operation.

One of the suspects, a 17-year-old, was allegedly carrying a loaded semi-automatic firearm and faces additional weapons charges, including possession of a firearm obtained by crime and carrying a concealed weapon.

All five people remain in custody and are scheduled for bail hearings.

The store owners declined to speak on camera, saying they felt unsafe doing so. In a statement to CTV News, they said in part, “Innocent people work hard every day, but the law seems to punish the innocent people. This is not even a surprising incident, as this is happening on the daily. These kinds of acts don’t just hurt us, but it affects many people.”

With files from CTV’s Mike Arsalides.