An armed robbery at a Bowmanville convenience store early Monday morning has left Durham Regional Police searching for a lone suspect who threatened an employee with a knife before fleeing the scene with cash.
Durham Regional Police responded to a robbery call at the Circle K convenience store on Mearns Avenue in Bowmanville just after 2 a.m. on Monday, June 2. According to investigators, a male suspect entered the business and approached the counter before demanding money while brandishing a knife toward the employee on duty.
The store clerk complied with the demands and the suspect left the store on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash. Police arrived at the scene shortly after the suspect had already fled the area. Officers conducted a search of the surrounding neighbourhood but were unable to locate the individual.
The victim did not suffer any physical injuries during the encounter, though the experience was undoubtedly unsettling for the employee who was working the overnight shift alone. Police have not released further details about the exact amount of money taken or whether the store was equipped with surveillance cameras that captured the incident.
The suspect is described as a white male, approximately five-foot-eight inches tall, and believed to be around 25 years old. Police have not released any additional identifying features such as clothing descriptions, facial hair, or distinguishing marks at this time. Investigators are likely reviewing any available security footage from the store and nearby businesses in an effort to develop a more detailed description.
This incident adds to a series of armed convenience store robberies that have occurred across the Durham Region in recent months. Durham Police have previously charged individuals in connection with similar robberies in Bowmanville and surrounding areas, and the Auto Robbery Crime Unit continues to actively investigate these types of crimes.
The overnight hours are particularly concerning for convenience store workers who often staff locations alone during the early morning. Durham Police have previously encouraged businesses to review their security measures and ensure employees are trained on how to respond during robbery situations.
Police are asking anyone with cell phone footage, dash cam video, surveillance footage, or any information about this incident to come forward and contact the Auto Robbery Crime Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5355. Investigators are particularly interested in speaking with anyone who may have been in the Mearns Avenue area of Bowmanville between 1:30 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. on Monday morning.
Anonymous information can also be submitted to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca. Tipsters who provide information leading to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward.
