Officer, 2 security guards pepper sprayed during Newmarket mall smash-and-grab

York Regional Police are investigating after multiple suspects armed with hammers robbed a jewelry store in Upper Canada Mall in Newmarket, Ont.

Police in York Region say they’re searching for three or four suspects following a brazen smash-and-grab robbery at a busy shopping centre in Newmarket on Saturday afternoon.

The incident happened at Upper Canada Mall, 17600 Yonge St. at Davis Drive.

York Regional Police said they were called there just after 3:30 p.m. after “multiple” suspects armed with hammers entered a jewelry store, smashed display cases, and stole a quantity of jewelry before fleeing.

Video footage obtained by CP24 shows what looks to be three suspects in dark clothing smashing and removing items from display cases at Peoples Jewellers before running away from the store followed by a security guard and a police officer with his gun drawn.

Speaking with reporters outside Upper Canada Mall on Saturday evening, Stf. Sgt. Peter Cheung, of York Regional Police, said they received several calls about suspects armed with hammers entering a jewelry store in the mall, smashing display cases, and stealing a quantity of jewelry.

Cheung said three or four suspects wearing dark clothing and masks were last seen fleeing in the area in a dark-coloured SUV.

Officer, 2 security guards pepper sprayed

He said a number of police officers were inside the mall at the time of the robbery for the force’s annual Holiday Heroes Toy Drive.

An unknown number of officers, along with two security guards, rushed to the jewelry store and tried to “give chase” in an attempt to stop the suspects but were pepper sprayed by the suspects, he said.

Cheung said an officer and two security guards sustained minor injuries and were treated. He could not say if they were taken to the hospital.

Emergency responders were able to contain any contamination and the shopping centre was not shut down at any point, he noted.

‘Kind of alarming’

The staff sargeant added that there were both customers inside the jewelry store and inside the mall at the time of the incident.

Cheung said while such an event is “kind of alarming,” officers and security personnel reacted quickly to intervene.

The value of the jewelry store is still unclear at this point in the investigation, he added.

Another similar incident happened about a month ago at the same shopping centre, but in a different store, Cheung said, adding in that case the suspects were apprehended.

He urged anyone with information about this latest robbery, including anyone who saw anything or anyone suspicious, to contact police or mall security. Tips can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers.

A large police presence could be seen at the mall following the incident and people were urged to avoid the area.

This investigation in ongoing.