Man allegedly robs Dairy Queen, Subway at knifepoint in Niagara Falls

A Niagara Regional Police Service sign is shown in St. Catharines, Ont., Friday, March 15, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Aaron Lynett

A man is facing charges after allegedly robbing a Dairy Queen, Subway and variety store at knifepoint in Niagara Falls.

Niagara Regional Police say the first incident happened on Dec. 16, 2024, around 6:45 p.m., at the Victoria and Maple Variety Store located at 4621 Victoria Ave.

Police say the accused approached an employee with a kitchen knife and demanded money from the register before running away from the store.

About a month later, on Jan. 12 around 8:40 p.m., police say the accused walked into a Subway at 5175 Victoria Ave. Here, the suspect allegedly brandished a box cutter knife while confronting an employee and demanding cash from the register.

The suspect, again, ran off with an undisclosed amount of money, police say.

The last incident happened two days later, when police were called to a Dairy Queen at 5500 Ferry Street around 9:45 p.m. on Tuesday.

“Upon investigation, it was determined that a male wearing a ski mask entered the restaurant, threatened an employee with a pocketknife, and demanded money from the register,” police said in a release issued Wednesday, before adding he allegedly ran off with some cash.

No injuries were reported throughout the string of robberies, police say.

On Wednesday, police charged 41-year-old Shawn Downey with three counts of robbery and disguise with intent. The charges have not been tested in court.

Detectives are asking anyone with information to contact them at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1109707, or Crime Stoppers anonymously.