On Monday, November 12, 2018, 32 year old Ryan Carless of Owen Sound is alleged to have commenced a string of criminal offences that ended with his arrest within forty-eight hours.

The offences began with the accused stealing a bottle of whiskey from the LCBO on Monday, followed by a theft from a Circle K Store and a theft from the Owen Sound Beer Store. On Tuesday evening, the accused entered a downtown variety store and approached the cashier, pointed a b-b gun and demanded that he be given all the money from their register and cigarettes.

He ran from the store, and was pursued on foot by two citizens, until the accused stopped, turned, and fired rounds from the b-b gun with one pellet striking a male pursuer in the thigh. When struck, the victim fell to the ground and the accused threw away the b-b gun and began to run away as police arrived.

Police immediately arrested the man ending the violent crime spree.

Detectives investigated the accused and as a result he has been charged with multiple criminal offences:
• Robbery Using a Firearm
• Pointing a Firearm
• Assault with a Weapon
• Use Firearm During Flight
• Carry a Concealed Weapon
• Possession of Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
• Possess Firearm while Prohibited
• Lifetime Firearms Ban breaches (x5)
• Theft Under $5000.00
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime

The firearm and some of the property was recovered. The victim sustained a small laceration on the right thigh and sought his own medical treatment. The accused attended court today and was held in custody.

source: media release, OSPS