Teens charged after robbery involving Pokémon GO

_ (press release) _ (Ottawa)— The Ottawa Police Service Robbery Unit is investigating an overnight incident that involved both a theft and a robbery.

On July 20, 2016, at approximately 1:30 am., two persons, a male and a female, were in the area of Ottawa City Hall, near Lisgar Street. using their phones to play the Pokemon Go game.  At that time, they were approached by two suspects.  The male victim’s phone was grabbed by one suspect who then fled.  That victim pursued the male to the canal area where the suspect was arrested by Military Police who then turned the suspect over to Ottawa Police Patrol officers. As the first suspect attempted to take the male victim’s phone, the female victim was accosted by a second suspect. That suspect attempted to take the female victim’s phone and a struggle ensued. The suspect fled empty-handed.  He was also located nearby and arrested by Military Police a short time later.

A youth and an adult have been charged in relation to this incident.  The youth, age 17 of Ottawa, is charged with single counts each of theft under $5000, and breach of recognizance.

Mohamed Ouedraogo, age 19 of Ottawa, is charged with a single count of robbery. Both suspects will appear in court on July 20, 2016.

The Robbery Unit would like to remind the public of related safety tips on personal robbery and swarming .

Anyone with information regarding this robbery, or any other robbery, is asked to call the Ottawa Police’s Robbery Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5116.  Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or by downloading the Ottawa Police app. ** **