Coulton Peters-McComb is now out on bail after spending 39 days behind bars.
The 22-year-old from Barrie was released from jail to a loved one who pledged $7,000 to secure his bail under strict house arrest conditions following a hearing at the Oshawa courthouse. Evidence heard during the bail hearing is protected by a publication ban.
Peters-McComb is accused of robbing a jewelry store inside the Oshawa Centre mall in late March, along with four others, whom Durham Regional police said were arrested in the moments that followed the smash-and-grab and was recorded by a handful of shoppers.
Peters-McComb was one of two Barrie men police said were taken into custody on the afternoon of March 29 when shoppers took them to the ground following the alleged robbery that involved bear spray being used at Bellagio Jewellers. In several videos, the would-be thieves are seen being subdued by men, including one with a chokehold before police and security guards arrived.
Police charged Peters-McComb with robbery, possession of a prohibited weapon, wearing a disguise with intent, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, and four counts of possession of drugs.
Ryan MacPhail, 40, the other Barrie man arrested, remains behind bars. MacPhail faces many of the same charges as his co-accused. Police said he was already banned from possessing weapons. He was previously facing assault and uttering threat charges in Barrie.
Three of their co-accused, aged 19, 17, and 15, from Mississauga and Brampton, were arrested outside the mall with help from the K-9 unit. The identities of those under the age of 18 are protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
The 19-year-old alleged getaway driver, Romario Angelo Abraham, is an aspiring actor. Halton police said he is charged with four counts of robbery, possession of stolen property, and mischief. Police announced eight arrests connected to what investigators described as an organized group of suspects targeting about a dozen businesses across the GTA. The majority of the businesses struck by thieves were jewelry stores between January and March in Burlington, Guelph, Brantford, Waterloo, St. Catharines, Hamilton and Barrie.
Police revealed Abraham was also charged in the Michael Hill jewelry store robbery at the Georgian Mall in Barrie two weeks prior to the Oshawa smash-and-grab. Another young man, Krishawn Scott, 21, of Mississauga is accused of nine robbery counts and breaching a release order. Barrie police had appealed for the public’s help tracking down those responsible for the March 17 robbery.
Following his release from custody, Peters-McComb is scheduled to make his next appearance in a virtual Oshawa courtroom in two weeks alongside Abraham. The allegations against the accused have not been tested in court.
