Police have arrested four suspects and are searching for another in connection to a string of Ontario bank robberies over a two year period, including one in Arkona.
The local hold up happened on April 4, 2023 and prompted a safety warning from Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
The OPP held a news conference Tuesday to release the results of 'Project Opal', and their findings led to 53 charges being laid.
They were assisted by officers with the Barrie Police Service, Belleville Police Service, Durham Regional Police Service, Niagara Regional Police Service, and York Regional Police.
Police said a total of eight banks were robbed across the province between December 8, 2022, and March 16, 2024.
In August 2023, the OPP's Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) became involved and officers identified similar characteristics in the robberies, which pointed to a single group of perpetrators.
Police said the robberies involved two or three suspects entering the banks prior to closing.
It's alleged they wore different masks and clothing each time, and during all robberies, at least one handgun was brandished but no injuries were reported.
In the last six robberies, bank employees were bound, and investigators have determined the group of suspects is responsible for more than $2 million in reported losses across eight banks.
The money has not yet been recovered.
The OPP said on June 21, 2024, three suspects were arrested during an attempted robbery in Field, Ontario, by OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit and the Aviation Unit, with support from OPP West Nipissing Major Crime and CIB.
A fourth suspect was arrested on September 25, 2024 in Vaughan, and a fifth suspect was charged and remains wanted.
Devonte Clark, 29, of Whitby, Keino Heath, 25, of Oshawa, David Newman, 24, of Ajax, and Roderick Newman, 32, of Cobourg were all arrested.
Akeem Williams, 32, of Ajax, remains at large.
In a news release, OPP Deputy Commissioner Marty Kearns commented on the investigation.
"Project Opal required extensive coordination across multiple police services to identify and apprehend the suspects before they could target another bank," said Kearns. "Through their tireless work, they were able to ensure no other victim had to endure the fear and trauma of such an ordeal. I extend my gratitude to our Project Opal members for their exceptional work and their unwavering dedication to public safety."
Anyone with information is asked to contact their local police service, the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca.