A portion of Government Street was behind police tape Thursday afternoon while VicPD arrested three robbery suspects at the Bedford Hotel.
Emergency Response Team officers were on-site and a ladder from the Fire Department had to be used to arrest the two men hiding out on the rooftop of the hotel. The two men, both 27-years-old, were taken into custody around 1:30 p.m. A 21-year-old female was also taken into custody without incident. All three suspects came from the lower mainland.
Hours earlier, the two men committed a brazen daytime robbery of Paul Mara Jewelers on 657 Fort Street. The two men entered the jewelry store around 10:30 a.m. and sprayed staff with bear spray before making off with a stash of jewelry and other valuables.
There were reports of a firearm being used, which is why police took every precaution in arresting the two suspects. Government St. was closed between Trounce Alley and Fort Street, and a portion of Yates Street was closed.
Detectives credit the quick thinking and actions of numerous bystanders, and first responding officers, with enabling them to narrow their search for these suspects to the Bedford Hotel.
VicPD want to thank business owners and citizens in the area for their patience and understanding during this investigation.
