Fifth arrest in violent robbery attempt
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A fifth person has been arrested in connection with a violent home invasion in Norfolk last month.
The Norfolk OPP crime unit in partnership with the York Region police tactical unit, York Region canine unit and York Region property crimes unit executed a search warrant on Handley Crescent in Newmarket on Thursday.
During the operation, police took a 30-year-old man into custody on a host of charges related to the attempted robbery of a licensed marijuana grow operation on Highway 3 Oct. 25.
A group of men allegedly tried to rob the grow operation at gunpoint 10 p.m. that night. While they were on the property, someone called police. The men fled on foot when police arrived.
Canine and tactical units were dispatched to the area. The suspects were rounded up following a foot search. One of the accused suffered serious injuries in the course of the arrest. As such, Ontario Special Investigations Unit has been called in to probe the event.
On Thursday, Christopher John Gismondi, 30, of Newmarket, was charged with three counts of using a firearm to take a hostage, break and enter, two counts of possession of a loaded, prohibited or restricted firearm, wearing a disguise with intent to commit a crime, robbery with a firearm, two counts of unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm, two counts of possession of a weapon for dangerous purposes, two counts of using a firearm in the commission of an offence, possession of a prohibited device or ammunition for a dangerous purpose, forcible confinement, pointing a firearm, assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm, and disobeying a court order.
“This collaborative effort should serve as a reminder to anyone contemplating committing a crime that police have no boundaries when it comes to bringing people to justice,” Det.-Insp. Darren Webster of the OPP’s criminal investigative branch said Thursday in a news release.
“I would like to recognize the members of the York Regional Police Service for their assistance in bringing this incident to a successful conclusion.”
A bail hearing for Gismondi has been scheduled for Friday at the Ontario Court of Justice at the Norfolk County court house in Simcoe.
The Norfolk OPP’s Crime Unit continues to investigate and is seeking assistance from the public. If anyone has information regarding this incident, they are asked to contact the Norfolk OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous can share what they know with Crime Stoppers of Haldimand and Norfolk at 1-800-222 -8477. Callers to Crime Stoppers who help solve a crime are eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.
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