Third suspect sought in violent jewelry heist

DURHAM -- A warrant has been issued for a man accused of taking part in a violent jewelry store robbery Tuesday.

Durham police are seeking 32-year-old Gary Blazeiko of no fixed address on charges of attempted robbery, aggravated assault, forcible confinement and weapons offences. They allege he was part of a three-man crew that walked into Hooper's Jewellers on King Street West in Bowmanville around 5 p.m. Tuesday, terrorizing and assaulting employees while armed with knives.

A female employee who was dragged into a back room and bound with duct tape sustained serious lacerations to her hand when one of the thugs tried to stab her, police said. The woman required surgery.

The heist was interrupted by store owner Ron Hooper and the would-be robbers fled on foot. Two of them were apprehended by responding police while one got away.

Charlie Potts, 23, of no fixed address and 33-year-old Michael Arthur Young of Hamilton have been charged. Police, meanwhile, are seeking Mr. Blazeiko, who may be driving a stolen grey four-door Toyota Corolla with the licence plate ATLM 738.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call police at 905-579-1520, ext. 5355 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.