2 Niagara residents charged in armed Burlington bank robbery

Two Niagara residents are facing multiple charges in connection with an armed bank robbery in Burlington that led to a standoff with Halton police Friday afternoon.

Officers were called around 3:30 p.m. to the Royal Bank of Canada located at 3030 Mainway for reports of a robbery.

Customers inside of the bank at the time of the incident told CHCH News that they saw one of the suspects holding a firearm to someone’s head and telling people to get on the floor as they demanded money.

Investigators say no injuries were reported.

Two suspects then fled the area, but were found by police a short distance away on Mainway outside of a CARSTAR Collision and Glass Service building.

Officers say one suspect was immediately taken into custody, while the other suspect remained in the vehicle with a firearm.

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Police had asked people in the area to shelter in place while they negotiated with the second suspect, who was eventually arrested around 6 p.m.

Michael Uzelac, 37, of Welland, has been charged with being an occupant of a motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm, armed robbery using a firearm and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.

Stephane Smith, 54, of Niagara Falls, has been charged with seven offences, including armed robbery using a firearm, pointing a firearm and uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm.

Both accused have been held in custody pending a bail hearing.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact investigators at 905-825-4777 ext. 2316.

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