Police in North Bay, Ontario, made two arrests this week in connection with break-ins at two different cannabis stores.

First, at approximately 7 am on January 25, 2025, the North Bay Police Service say a man broke an exterior glass window to gain entry to a cannabis store on Main Street East in North Bay. A witness contacted police. 

The accused stole several cannabis products before fleeing the location. Police located the man a short time later, at which point he was arrested and charged. The estimated total cost of the stolen products and damage to the business is around $1,400.

The accused, Matthew John Stanova, age 34, of Burks Falls, Ontario, has been charged with one count of Breaking, Entering a place with the intent to commit an indictable offence. He was in custody pending a bail hearing at the North Bay Courthouse. 

Then, at 7 pm on the same day, North Bay Police responded to a reported theft at a cannabis store on Cassells Street.

The accused had stolen a glass water pipe, or bong, and fled the business. Police say a bystander outside the business tried to stop the man, at which point the accused assaulted him by striking him with the stolen item. 

The victim was still able to restrain the man until police arrived, at which point the accused was arrested and charged. A search of the accused by police located approximately 3 grams of suspected fentanyl.

The accused, Michael Weagant, age 38, of Astorville, Ontario, was charged with one count of Theft Under $5,000, one count of Assault with a Weapon, and one count of Possession of a Schedule I Substance. 

The accused was released on an Undertaking and is set to appear before the court on March 4, 2025.

North Bay is located about a four-hour drive north of Toronto.

Related Articles

Winnipeg Police seeking help finding two suspects in armed cannabis store robbery

January 24, 2025

Ontario cannabis retailers frustrated after recent string of robberies

January 23, 2025

One arrested, $3,000 in cannabis products recovered following multiple break-and-enters in Windsor

January 17, 2025