Man Charged in Armed Pharmacy Robberies

Region of Peel (May 8, 2021) – Investigators from the Central Robbery Bureau, along with uniform officers from 11 Division, arrested a man in relation to a series of two pharmacy robberies.

On Friday, May 7, 2021, at approximately 11:35 a.m., it is alleged, a man entered a pharmacy in the area of Burnhamthorpe Road West and Glen Erin Drive in Mississauga. The man was armed with a handgun, confronted the employee, and made a demand for OxyContin. The pharmacy did not stock the item, and he fled the area.

Shortly after, the individual proceeded to attend another pharmacy approximately 30 minutes later, around Credit Valley Road and Erin Mills Parkway in Mississauga. It is alleged the man confronted the employee while concealing a handgun under his shirt, making a demand for OxyContin. The employee complied.

Police had been contacted and arrived to see the man exiting the pharmacy. He was arrested after a brief foot pursuit. A replica firearm and the stolen prescription medications were recovered.

Jonathon Riding, a 33-year-old man from Mississauga, was charged with two counts each of Robbery, Use Imitation Firearm and Disguise with Intent. He was held for a bail hearing and appeared in the Ontario Court of Justice in the City of Brampton on May 8, 2021.