Durham Police investigators are asking the public to help identify a suspect after several incidents of suspicious packages being left at two separate businesses in Oshawa.
On Saturday, October 24, 2020, at approximately 8:15 am, members of Central East Division were called to Pantry Convenience on Park Road North in Oshawa for a suspicious package found at the business, said a police statement.
The item was investigated by the Explosives Disposal Unit and it was detonated and rendered safe. The item was confirmed to be an incendiary device. The suspect was captured on video surveillance fleeing on foot, said the police.
On Thursday, October 1, 2020, at approximately 8:20 am, police responded to a suspicious package call at the Taunton Convenience store on Taunton Road East in Oshawa after an incendiary device was located. The victim in this case attempted to move the item and it burst into flames. No injuries were reported and officers seized the evidence and video surveillance. There were three prior minor incidents targeting this store that were never reported to police. The suspect wore a mask during these incidents, police said.
Police are releasing an image of the suspect from Saturday’s incident and he is believed to be involved in the Taunton Road incidents. Police are also releasing video surveillance of the incident on October 1, 2020, involving a female employee which shows the device bursting into flames.
The suspect is described as male, white, he wore all black clothing and white shoes. In the first incident he wore similar clothing, but with black shoes with white around the outer sole.
The incidents are related to stores that’s sell adult-related material.
Investigators are asking any convenience stores in the area that may have had any suspicious packages or messages left on their premises that haven’t been reported to police to contact Det. Dellipizzi or D/Cst. McLellan of the Central East Division Criminal Investigation Bureau at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2766.
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