Suspect Arrested After Richmond Hill Currency Exchange Robbery

Investigators with the York Regional Police Hold-Up Unit have arrested a suspect following a gunpoint robbery at a currency exchange business in the City of Richmond Hill.

On March 15, 2024, at approximately 11 a.m., three suspects, armed with at least one firearm, entered the business in the area of Yonge Street and Major Mackenzie Drive and made a demand for cash. The suspects assaulted the victim before fleeing with merchandise from the business. The victim was transported to hospital where he was treated and released.

On April 17, 2024, investigators, with the assistance of the York Regional Police Emergency Response and Canine Unit, executed a search warrant at a residence in Ajax, taking one male into custody.

Police located a quantity of cocaine and fentanyl, as well as ammunition and an extended magazine for a firearm.

Charged:

• Jesiah BYER-COATES, 21, of the City of Ajax

Charges:

• Robbery with a Firearm

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime

• Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

• Possession of Fentanyl for the Purpose of Trafficking

• Fail to Comply with Undertaking

Two suspects remain outstanding and are described as male, Black, approximately 30 years old, average build, between 5’7” and 6” tall. All males were described as wearing hooded sweaters, dark-coloured pants and face masks.

Investigators are asking anyone who may have seen something suspicious in the area, or anyone who may have dashcam or video surveillance footage at the time of the incident, or who has information about the suspects, to please come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Hold-Up Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6630, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.