Four people are facing charges in connection with firearm thefts at a Notre Dame Avenue-area businesses.

Four people are facing charges in connection with firearm thefts at a Notre Dame Avenue-area businesses.



Greater Sudbury Police say three young offenders and a 19-year-old adult are facing a series of charges following two thefts at Kukagami Jack on Newgate Avenue. Five guns were taken in the first theft, which took place June 4. Then on June 16, two young people threw a brick through the front window of the store and took three guns, bear spray and ammunition.



“Through police investigation by the B.E.A.R. Unit (Break Enter and Robbery), a search warrant was obtained for an apartment on Elm Street, Sudbury,” police said in a new release. “Entry into the apartment was made by members of the B.E.A.R. Unit and the Tactical Team due to the involvement of firearms.”



Police made the four arrests and seized three guns, four knives, bear spray, ammunition, a collapsible steel baton, a switchblade and a small amount of marijuana.



The 19 year old Sudbury man is charged with three counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm; three counts of possession of a weapon obtained by crime; three counts of careless use of a firearm; three counts of knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm; three counts of possession of restricted firearm with ammunition; possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose (a switchblade); and, possession of a controlled substance (marijuana).



The three young offenders face the same charges. One of the youths was also arrested for breaching a court order, while the other two were arrested for breaching various court orders, as well as break, enter and theft. One of the youths was also charged for the break, enter and theft on June 4.

All four are being held in custody pending bail hearings.



“As reported earlier this week by the media, the owner of Kukagami Jack has greatly enhanced his physical security, video surveillance and alarm systems to prevent anyone from being able to take firearms or other weapons from this location,” police said.



Anyone with information is asked to contact Police at 675-9171 or Crime Stoppers at 222-TIPS, online atwww.sudburycrimestoppers.com or by texting TIPSUD and the information to CRIMES (274637).



On Friday, store owner Jack St. Amand said he had video footage of the suspects from both break-ins. The thieves didn't cover their faces in the first break-in, and, while they wore masks for the second break-in, he's sure it was the same people.



St. Amand opened his store on April 4 at his Notre Dame location after four years at his Highway 17 East location, where he was never the victim of vandalism or theft. The reason for the move was the Notre Dame location offers 7,000 square feet, up from 2,500 square feet, and with potential to expand in the next year.



He said another reason for the move was to accommodate his clientele, bringing his merchandise closer to those who want it.



“At this rate, the Wahnapitae location is starting to look good now,” he said. “It was smaller, but there was a lot less hassle.”



Before the arrests, St. Amand offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspects.



“Enough is enough,” he said.



-- files from Arron Pickard.