Greater Sudbury Police were one step behind a couple of crooks last night who robbed three corner stores in a span of 45 minutes.
The first robbery complaint came at 12:27 am from a corner store on The Kingsway. While the police were looking into the initial 911 call, another complaint from a corner store on Second Ave. was reported at 12:42 am.
The two suspects had entered the Second Ave. location, demanding money and cigarettes while one of them held a knife to the clerk's throat. The clerk suffered minor injuries.
A third robbery was reported at 1:12 am at a corner store on Falconbridge Rd., where the two knife-wielding suspects again demanded money and cigarettes before fleeing the scene. Police received a tip from a witness who saw the suspects speed away from the third corner store.
Acting on the tip, the police located the suspects' getaway car traveling south on Falconbridge Rd. Police pursued the suspects at high speeds west on The Kingsway and onto Elm St.
The chase ended when the driver of the getaway car struck a spike belt deployed at the corner of Lorne and Elm, popping two of the suspects' tires. The car continued rolling until it smashed into a parked car.
The passenger was arrested following the chase, but the driver was able to escape police on foot. Police confirmed the getaway car used by the two suspects was stolen from Azilda.
The 16-year-old passenger in the car is facing a number of charges including robbery and breaching court orders. Other charges are pending.
Police are still searching for the second suspect. He is described as a white man, 5 feet 10 inches tall, medium build, wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt with dark pants and shoes.
Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers at 675-TIPS.
