Carleton Place robberies lead to arrest, multiple charges

Lanark County OPP have arrested a Carleton Place man following two robberies in the community.

According to a media release, officers were called to a business on Franktown Road just before 3 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, after a man entered the store, threatened an employee and fled with cigarettes.

With assistance from the OPP Canine Unit and Emergency Response Team, the suspect was located and arrested. Police say officers also seized a quantity of suspected cocaine.

Investigators then determined the accused was also wanted in connection with a similar robbery that occurred on Christmas Day in Carleton Place.

John McDonald, 38, of Carleton Place, is charged with two counts of armed robbery, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking, two counts of failing to comply with a release order, and failing to comply with a probation order. Charges have not been proven in court.

McDonald was remanded into custody following a bail hearing and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Perth on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026.