Police Arrest Three & Seek Others After River District Business Looted Following Break-In
Three arrested after multiple individuals looted an Owen Sound smoke shop following a break-in on June 16; police say they expect to charge more suspects.
Police have arrested three individuals in connection with a break-and-enter and subsequent looting at a downtown Owen Sound business that was heavily vandalized in the early hours of Monday, June 16.
What began as a single act of burglary quickly spiralled into a broader wave of theft and destruction, as police now say at least seven different people entered the store over several hours after the initial break-in.
The business—Zong, a vaporizer and smoke shop located on 9th Street East—was left with a shattered front door and extensive damage to its interior and inventory. According to police, merchandise was stolen and property destroyed, including a high-value electric bicycle.
Owner Asif Khan previously told The Owen Sound Current the damage represents a total loss, compounded by the absence of insurance coverage at the time of the incident. A GoFundMe set up to support Khan had raised $420 by Wednesday morning.
Security footage reviewed by police reportedly shows multiple individuals entering the already-compromised storefront to loot various items. Investigators have so far identified seven suspects, three of whom have been arrested:
A 33-year-old woman with no fixed address has been charged with break, enter, and commit theft, as well as failing to comply with probation.
A 55-year-old man with no fixed address faces the same charge.
A 38-year-old man, also without a fixed address, faces similar charges including probation violations.
The arrests occurred between the evening of June 16 and the early hours of June 17. All three accused were held in custody pending bail hearings.
Police say additional arrests are expected and have urged the remaining suspects to come forward. They also continue to seek public assistance in recovering the stolen property and identifying others involved.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Owen Sound Police at 519-376-1234. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at www.crimestop-gb.org.
Where were the police on that Sunday night? Tim's was open right across the road. And aren't the police staffed 24/7.
When will we learn that people of 'no fixed address' have to have a place to call home, or they will vandalize and rob, and (in the end) cost all taxpayers much more.