Man charged in string of knife-point robberies along Steeles Avenue
Toronto police have charged a 24-year-old in a series of knife-point robberies along Steeles Avenue in late December and early January. Officers say they recovered a knife and clothing during the arrest.
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By Torontoer Staff
Toronto police have charged a 24-year-old man in connection with a series of knife-point robberies that targeted stores along Steeles Avenue between late December and early January. Investigators say the incidents occurred in both the east and west ends of the city and involved masked suspects approaching cashiers and demanding money.
Members of the Hold Up Squad, assisted by multiple divisions, located and arrested the suspect earlier this week. Police executed a search warrant and say they recovered the knife and clothing allegedly used during the incidents.
Details of the incidents
Police allege the suspect repeatedly entered stores wearing a mask, approached checkout counters, indicated he had a knife or produced one, demanded cash and then fled. In one of the incidents, officers say the suspect left the store empty-handed.
- Steeles Avenue East and Leslie Street (Dec. 23 and Jan. 7)
- Steeles Avenue East and Pharmacy Avenue (Dec. 27)
- Steeles Avenue West and Weston Road (Dec. 28)
- Steeles Avenue West and Bathurst Street (Dec. 30)
Investigation and arrest
According to police, investigators tracked the incidents across divisions before making an arrest. A search warrant was carried out at the arrest location, and officers recovered items they say link the accused to the robberies.
A search warrant was executed, and officers recovered the knife and clothing allegedly used during the robberies.
Toronto Police
Charges and court schedule
Toronto police have charged 24-year-old Mohamed Ismail of Toronto with multiple offences. The Crown has filed five counts of robbery with an offensive weapon, four counts of disguise with intent, four counts of weapons dangerous, and one count of assault with a weapon.
None of the charges have been tested in court. Police said Ismail was scheduled to appear at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre on Jan. 16. Under Canadian law, an accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
What shoppers and businesses should know
Incidents like these can increase concern for staff and customers. Retailers may want to review basic safety measures and protocols for responding to robberies, and shoppers should be aware of their surroundings without compromising personal safety.
- Prioritise getting to a safe place over confronting or following a suspect.
- If you witness a robbery, call 911 once you are safe and provide as much detail as possible.
- Store managers should review cash-handling procedures and consider training for staff on how to respond to threats.
- Preserve evidence by avoiding touching items the suspect may have handled and report observations to police.
How to provide information
Police ask anyone with additional information, including dashcam or surveillance footage, to come forward. Tips can be provided to Toronto Police Service or anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
This investigation remains active. Police continue to review evidence and follow leads as they prepare the case for the Crown.
Members of the public should expect normal court processes to follow. Updates will come from Toronto police or the courts as proceedings continue.
Torontopublic safetycrimeretailpolice
