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Armed robbery at St. John's bank, man charged with 5 robberies

Police in St. John's arrested Sean Frampton, 26, and Patrick Bennett, 23, on Saturday afternoon in connection with an armed robbery that happened at a bank in Churchill Square. Following the arrest, Frampton was charged with four other robberies in the city.

Sean Frampton faces 17 charges in relation to armed robbery, and 4 convenience store robberies

Police arrested two men on Saturday, in connection with an armed robbery that happened at a bank in St. John's.

Following the arrest, one of the men was charged with four previous robberies in the city. 

The men, Sean Frampton, 26, and Patrick Bennett, 23, were arrested by the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary for a robbery that happened at the CIBC in Churchill Square shortly before 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Police said Frampton entered the bank with a knife and demanded cash from a teller. He left with an undisclosed amount of cash and fled the scene in a grey minivan.

A short time later, officers found the vehicle and the two suspects near Alderberry Lane.

Both men were charged with armed robbery and possession of property. Frampton was also charged with disguise with intent.

The men made a court appearance Sunday morning, and will be held in custody overnight for a bail hearing on Monday.

No injuries were reported during the bank robbery. 

Additional charges

As a result of Saturday's investigation, the RNC laid additional charges against Frampton.

Police charged him in connection with four previous robberies — dating back to August.

He is believed to be connected to robberies that happened at Hickey's Convenience Store on Pennywell Road on Nov. 27, Cornwall Superette on Hamilton Avenue on Nov. 4, Blackmarsh Superette on Blackmarsh Road on Sept. 4, and Hamilton Convenience on Hamilton Avenue on Aug. 31.

The charges include armed robbery, possession of a weapon and disguise with intent.

Frampton faces 17 charges for the five robberies combined, including the one at CIBC in Churchill Square over the weekend. Bennett is facing six charges, all in connection with the incident at CIBC.

Police say that a knife was used in all five robberies that Frampton is being charged with.

The RNC will be held a news conference at 2 p.m. Sunday to brief the public on the investigations.

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