A group of teens from Brampton, Mississauga, and Bolton are facing a slew of charges after a weekend robbery spree in Toronto that involved stolen electronics, cash—and a dramatic takedown by police.
Toronto Police say the first robbery occurred on Saturday, April 12, near Lawrence Avenue East and Markham Road. A group wearing masks pulled up to a store, confronted employees, and made off with cell phones and cash.
The following night, on Sunday, April 13, police were called to a second location near Bloor Street West and Dufferin Street after a business alarm went off. In that case, the group fled empty-handed.
Shortly after the second incident, an off-duty Toronto Police officer spotted what was believed to be a stolen vehicle. He alerted on-duty officers, who quickly located and stopped the vehicle. Four suspects were arrested at the scene, while a fifth escaped on foot. Police also seized a knife during the arrest.
All four suspects are under the age of 18 and cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
The charges include:
- A 17-year-old male from Brampton:
- 2 counts of robbery
- 2 counts of disguise with intent
- 2 counts of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
- 4 counts of failing to comply with probation
- A 17-year-old male from Mississauga:
- 2 counts of robbery
- 2 counts of disguise with intent
- 2 counts of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
- A 16-year-old male from Mississauga:
- 2 counts of robbery
- 2 counts of disguise with intent
- 2 counts of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
- A 16-year-old male from Bolton:
- 2 counts of robbery
- 2 counts of disguise with intent
- 2 counts of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
- 2 counts of failing to comply with a release order
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with further information is encouraged to contact Toronto Police at 416-808-7350, or reach out anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.222tips.com.