A Hamilton man has been arrested in relation to armed robberies that were carried out at two Hamilton mountain variety stores.

On November 23, 2020, at approximately 3:00 a.m., a lone male robbed a variety store located on Upper Wellington Street. The male arrived in a red sports utility vehicle, parked at the side of the building, entered the store in disguise and robbed the clerk by indicating he had a gun. A firearm was seen. An undisclosed amount of cash was taken and the suspect fled in the SUV. The clerk did not sustain any physical injuries.

On November 23, 2020, at approximately 6:00 a.m., the male described earlier arrived at another variety store located on Upper Wellington Street in the same SUV. The male indicated he had a firearm and robbed the clerk of an undisclosed amount of cash. He fled in the SUV and the clerk did not sustain any physical injuries.

Through continued investigation, a Hamilton man was identified as being responsible for the robberies and on Monday, December 21, 2020, plainclothes officers attended a residence on the West Mountain. The male was arrested without incident after exiting his residence.

On Tuesday, December 22, 2020, search warrants were granted for the suspect’s residence and vehicle. Investigators located evidence related to the robbery inside the residence. The male has been charged with several offences and remains in police custody.

ARRESTED

• Cody FRANKO, 32-years-of-age, from Hamilton

CHARGES

• Robbery with a Firearm X2
• Disguise with Intent X2

If you have any information related to this investigation, you are asked to contact Hamilton Police Service BEAR Unit Investigators – Detective Constable Adam Krasulja at (905) 546-8935 or Acting Detective Sergeant Frank De Vuono at (905) 546-8937.

To provide information anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com