One suspect remains at large
Apr 01, 2008 - 03:57 PM
By Jennifer Stone
CLARINGTON -- One terrifying experience hasn't cost a local businessman and politician his faith in the community.
Ron Hooper, co-owner of Hooper's Jewellers on King Street in Bowmanville, expressed his gratitude to his fellow councillors and the community during Monday's General Purpose and Administration Committee meeting.
Last Tuesday, March 25, Mr. Hooper walked into a violent heist in progress in his store. His brother, daughter and another staff member, a goldsmith, were all in the store when three men armed with knives walked in. The goldsmith sustained serious injuries to her hand during the robbery, requiring surgery to repair the damage.
"We have a great community, we have a safe community and I want everyone to remember that," said Mr. Hooper, emotion evident in his voice. "It was an unfortunate one-time event and no one should ever have to go through that. But it also shows how the community pulls together and nobody should ever forget that."
Choking back tears, Mr. Hooper recalled with gratitude the speed with which both Durham Regional Police and Clarington's Emergency and Fire Service personnel, including Chief Gord Weir, arrived on the scene.
"They were there in, it seems like, seconds," he said.
During the botched robbery, Mr. Hooper's brother and store co-owner Dan Hooper slowed the would-be thieves down by tossing display cases at them. When Mr. Hooper arrived at the store, he was chased out by one suspect, then helped pursue him. Two of the men were soon captured, though one remains at large.
"Don't mess with the Hooper boys," said Mayor Jim Abernethy.
Two men, including one from Hamilton, were captured and charged with an array of offences, including attempted robbery and aggravated assault.
One man remains at large. He has been identified as Gary Blazeiko, 32, of no fixed address and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.
Investigators believe that Mr. Blazeiko may be in a stolen 4-door grey, 1995 Toyota Corolla with licence plate number ATLM 738. He is believed to be in the Greater Toronto Area.
Police say anyone who sees the man should not approach him. Instead, call police or Crime Stoppers.
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