Category: Toronto Police

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Police Press Releases Toronto Police

Social Meida Post Leads To “Hate Crime” Charge

The Toronto Police Service is making the public aware of an arrest made in a Public Incitement of Hatred investigation.

It is alleged that:

  • between August 10, 2025, and August 15, 2025, the accused made repeated online comments on social media towards multiple identifiable groups   
  • the comments contained hateful, racist, and xenophobic rhetoric of a threatening nature

Through investigation, the accused was identified. On Wednesday, August 20, 2025, investigators executed a search warrant on his address. 

Douglas Lothier, 44, of Toronto, was arrested and charged with:

  1. Public Incitement of Hatred
  2. Make Indecent Telecommunications
  3. Utter Threats to Cause Bodily Harm or Death

He is scheduled to appear in court at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, 2201 Finch Avenue West, on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 10 a.m., in room 103.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-4842, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.

When suspected hate-motivated offences are reported to police, the investigation is led by the Hate Crime Unit (HCU).

If it is alleged a criminal offence was committed (such as assault or mischief) and it is believed to have been motivated by bias, prejudice or hate, the officer-in-charge may consult with the Crown. If a person is charged and convicted of the offence, the Judge will take into consideration hate as an aggravating factor when imposing a sentence.

Wilful promotion of hatred and advocating genocide are hate propaganda (hate speech) offences which require the Attorney General’s consent to lay charges. These charges are often laid at a later time.

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Police Press Releases Toronto Police

18 Year Old Female Wanted in Attempt Murder Investigation

Unit: 14 Division

Case #: 2025-1655361 

Published: Wednesday, August 20, 2025, 9:37 AM

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The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance locating a suspect wanted in an Attempt Murder investigation.

On Friday, August 8, 2025, at approximately 1 a.m., police responded to a call for a Stabbing in the Queen Street West and Bathurst Street area.

It is alleged that:

  • after a physical altercation, the female suspect followed the victim and then stabbed the victim
  • the second victim attempted to intervene and was assaulted by the suspect
  • the suspect then fled the area on foot prior to police arrival
  • both victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries

Through investigation, officers were able to identify the suspect.

Bruna Fernandes Martins, 18, of Toronto, is wanted for:

  1. Attempt Murder
  2. Aggravated Assault
  3. Assault with a Weapon
  4. Possess Weapons Dangerous
  5. two counts of Fail to Comply with Conditions

She is described as 5’6″, with a thin build, and long wavy dark brown hair. She was last seen wearing a light-yellow crop top, white sweatpants, and white flip flops.

Images of the suspect have been released.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1400, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.

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OPP Police Press Releases Toronto Police

$2.3 Million Tobacco Bust

(GREATER TORONTO AREA, ON) – A 16-month contraband tobacco investigation has resulted in Criminal Code (CC) charges against five individuals from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

In January 2024, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Contraband Tobacco Enforcement Team (CTET) began this intelligence-led investigation into the alleged trafficking of contraband tobacco, including shisha tobacco and contraband cigarettes, by a network of individuals based in the GTA.

On Thursday, July 4, 2024, CTET executed three search warrants in the GTA, which led to the seizure of more than 800 kg of shisha tobacco, more than 16,000 contraband cigarettes and $30,000 in Canadian currency. The tobacco seized has an estimated street value of more than $90,000.

On Thursday, October 24, 2024, 16 search warrants were executed in Brantford, Burlington, Mississauga, Vaughan and Scarborough by members from:

  • OPP CTET
  • OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau
  • OPP-led Provincial Joint Forces Cannabis Enforcement Team
  • Brant County OPP Community Street Crime Unit
  • Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
  • Ontario Ministry of Finance (MOF)

The search warrants resulted in the seizure of approximately 19,000 kg of contraband tobacco, valued at $2.3 million, as well as electronic devices.

In November 2024, Ali MALLAH, age 58 of Toronto, was arrested and charged with trafficking contraband tobacco, contrary to s. 121.1(1) of the CC.

In April 2025, following a thorough investigation, four additional individuals were arrested and charged with trafficking contraband tobacco:

  • Omar OMRAN, age 25 of Scarborough
  • Nael ALWARASANEH, age 36 of Burlington
  • Abdelrahman HASAN, age 28 of Brantford
  • Saif HASAN, age 20 of Brantford

The accused were released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Toronto on Monday, June 9, 2025.

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Police Press Releases Toronto Police

Child Sexually Assaulted – Remington Puopolo Arrested Again #3Strikes

Case #: 2025-1019573 

Published: Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 2:58 PM

The Toronto Police Service is making the public aware of an arrest made in a Sexual Assault Investigation. 

On Saturday, May 17, 2025, police responded to a call for a Sexual Assault in the Yonge Street and Dundas Street area.

It is alleged that:

  • the victim, a child, was in a corridor leading to the washrooms inside a mall
  • the suspect approached the victim and attempted to initiate a conversation
  • the suspect then sexually assaulted the victim
  • the victim ran to their friends for help
  • the suspect fled the area

On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, Remington Puopolo, 40, of Toronto, was arrested and charged with:

  1. Sexual Interference
  2. Fail to Comply with a Release Order
  3. Fail to Comply with a Probation Order
  4. Breach of Recognizance

He was scheduled to appear in court at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, 2201 Finch Avenue West, on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., in room 301.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5200, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.

A sexual assault is any form of unwanted sexual contact. It includes, but is not limited to, kissing, grabbing, oral sex and penetration. To learn more about sexual assault, including how to report a sexual assault or get support in the community, please visit YourChoice.to.

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Police Press Releases Toronto Police

Pervert Alert: Loran Lazar – Child Luring & Pornography

The Toronto Police Service is making the public aware of an arrest made in a Sexual Abuse Material and Luring investigation.

It is alleged that:

  • the suspect was communicating with victims through social media platforms
  • he received, posted, and sold a quantity of child pornography 

On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, as part of an investigation into the possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material, members of the Toronto Police Service Child Exploitation Section executed a Criminal Code search warrant in the Eglinton Avenue East and Hurontario Street area.

Loran Lazar, 26, of Mississauga, was arrested and charged with:

  1. two counts of Possession of Child Pornography
  2. Access Child Pornography
  3. Make Child Pornography Available
  4. Sell Child Pornography
  5. two counts of Luring

Police believe there are more victims. He went by usernames: Bop4teens, Teensboop, and ibangedyourmom_#000 on different social media platforms. 

He was scheduled to appear in court at Toronto Regional Bail Centre, 2201 Finch Ave West, on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., in room 107.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-8500, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.

The Toronto Police Service recognizes that parents and caregivers are the frontline when it comes to protecting children on the Internet and electronic devices. We encourage you to remain vigilant in your efforts – the safety tips outlined below are recommended for children of any age.

Reporting of any online exploitation can also be made at Canada’s National Tipline for Reporting the Online Sexual Exploitation of Children at cybertip.ca.

This project has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General.

There are also resources available through the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health for those who have a sexual interest in children. The new Talking for Change program is the first of its kind in Canada and provides national and all-ages help for those concerned about their risk to use child sexual exploitation material or offend sexually against a child.

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Police Press Releases Toronto Police

87 Year Old Pedestrian Fatally Run Down – Suspect Image Released

The Toronto Police Service is updating the public on a Personal Injury Collision investigation that is now a Fatal Collision.

On Thursday, January 9, 2025, at approximately 2:12 p.m., police responded to a call for a Personal Injury Collision in the Warden Avenue and Eglinton Avenue East area.

It is reported that:

  • a grey Volkswagen Atlas was travelling on Ashtonbee Road, east of Warden Avenue
  • the vehicle then turned into a shopping plaza
  • as the vehicle was travelling through the parking lot, it struck an 87-year-old woman
  • the vehicle then fled the scene
  • the victim was transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries

See previous release here.

On Thursday, January 16, 2025, the woman succumbed to her injuries in hospital.

The investigation is ongoing by members of Traffic Services.

Additional images of the suspect and suspect vehicle have been released.

The suspect is described as a female, with a slim build, and long dark hair. She was last seen wearing an orange jacket, blue shirt, dark-coloured pants, and dark-coloured shoes.

Police are asking local residents, business owners, and drivers who may have security or dash camera footage of the area or incident, to contact investigators.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1900, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.

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Police Press Releases Toronto Police

Taylor Swift Ticket Scammer Facing Numerous Charges

The Toronto Police Service is updating the public on an additional arrest made and new charges laid in a fraudulent ticket scam investigation.

See excerpt below from previous release on Monday, November 25, 2024: 

—

It is alleged that:

  • the accused, while using the alias of ‘Denise Blackhawk’ on Facebook Marketplace, offered tickets for the Taylor Swift concerts being held in Toronto
  • the accused provided various dates and seat locations for the concerts
  • once a price was agreed upon, victims sent e-transfers to the accused for full payment of the tickets 
  • some of these tickets were purchased in August 2023 when the concert tickets first became available
  • the accused advised the victims that tickets would not be released until days prior to the concert
  • on the day of the concert, victims found that the tickets had not been transferred to their accounts
  • when victims requested their money back, the accused alleged that the money was gone
  • twenty-eight victims paid for fraudulent tickets with a value of just under $70,000

On Monday, November 25, 2024, Denise Tisor, of Burlington, was arrested and charged with:

  1. Fraud Over $5,000
  2. Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
  3. Thirty-two counts of Fraud Under $5,000
  4. Thirty-two counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000

—

On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, the following additional charges were laid against Denise Tisor, 44, of Burlington: 

  1. Fraud Over $5,000
  2. Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
  3. Eight counts of Fraud Under $5,000
  4. Eight counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000

She is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice, 10 Armoury Street, on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., in room 201.

Additionally, David Lloyd Blake, 56, of Burlington, has also been arrested and charged with:

  1. Nineteen counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000

He is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice, 10 Armoury Street, on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., in room 201.

Police believe there may be more victims. Toronto Police Service is working with the Halton Regional Police Service on this ongoing investigation.

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Police Press Releases Toronto Police

Georgios Sakellaris Facing Numerous Fraud Charges – Police Fear More Victims

Georgios Sakellaris

The Toronto Police Service is making the public aware of an arrest made in a Fraud Over $5000 investigation.

It is alleged that:

  • Between January 2022 and September 2022, a man posing as an investment broker would convince victims to invest money with the promise of large returns
  • the man would then advise the victims that he lost their investments, and they would have to sue him to obtain their investments
  • the victims would never obtain any money

It is further alleged that:

  • Between November 2024 and January 2025, the man would pose as a contactor and advise victims that he could repair their roof for a discount
  • the man would obtain a deposit, and then never begin the work
  • victims would never obtain their deposit back

Georgios Sakellaris, 42, of Toronto has been arrested and charged with:

  1. six counts of Fraud Over $5000
  2. six counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
  3. six counts of Launder Proceeds of Canadian Currency
  4. three counts of Fraud Under $5000

He is scheduled to appear in court at the Ontario Court of Justice, 10 Armoury Street, on Monday, January 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., in room 106.

Investigators believe there may be more victims. An image has been released.

Residents are reminded to use caution when solicited for any service and not to share personal information with people unknown to them.

Suspects often target elderly and vulnerable citizens using high-pressure tactics to commence work immediately. They usually demand payment in the form of cash or bank draft.

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Police Press Releases Toronto Police

Victim Stabbed And Residence Set On Fire

The Toronto Police Service is making the public aware of an arrest made in an Arson and Aggravated Assault investigation.

On Friday, January 10, 2025 at approximately 11:20 a.m. police responded to a call to a fire in the Sherbourne Street and Shuter Street area.

It is alleged that:

  • an altercation took place between a woman and the victim
  • the woman stabbed the victim and set fire to a residence
  • the victim was taken to hospital with serious, but non-life threatening injuries
  • the woman was arrested a short time later

Nakitha Smith, 29, of Toronto has been arrested and charged with:

  1. Aggravated Assault
  2. two counts of Arson 

She is scheduled to appear in court at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, at 2201 Finch Avenue West, on Saturday, January 11, 2024, at 10 a.m., in room 107.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.

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Police Press Releases Toronto Police

Teenage Dirtbags Arrested For Armed Robbery

Case #: 2025-40505 Published: Tuesday, January 7, 2025, 2:45 PM

The Toronto Police Service is making the public aware of four arrests made in a Retail Robbery investigation.

On Sunday, January 5, 2025, at approximately 1:43 p.m., York Regional Police responded to a call in the Weston Road and Rutherford Road area.

It is alleged that:

  • four suspects attended a store in a stolen vehicle while wearing masks to disguise their identities
  • they approached a store while armed with hammers
  • they smashed the glass door to gain entry
  • they made a demand to unlock the safe
  • they took a quantity of cellphones before fleeing the area in the stolen vehicle

See previous York Regional Police media release here.

On Monday, January 6, 2025, at approximately 4:40 p.m., Toronto Police responded to a Hold Up call in the Keele Street and Wilson Avenue area.

It is further alleged that:

  • four suspects attended a store in a stolen vehicle while wearing masks to disguise their identities
  • three suspects approached a store while armed with hammers
  • they smashed the glass door to gain entry
  • they made a demand to unlock the safe
  • they took a quantity of cellphones before fleeing the area in the stolen vehicle

Officers from 31 Division quickly responded to the area and located the stolen vehicle.

It is further alleged that:

  • the stolen vehicle accelerated away at a high rate of speed
  • a short distance away, the stolen vehicle collided with another vehicle in the Finch Avenue West and Chesswood Drive area
  • an occupant from the other vehicle sustained minor injuries

The responding officers were able to take all four suspects into custody after a short foot pursuit. Members of the Toronto Police Hold Up Squad and members of the York Regional Police Hold Up Squad commenced an investigation and determined the suspects’ were involvement in both robberies.

Nathan Palmer, 20, of Toronto, was charged with:

  1. Robbery with an Offensive Weapon
  2. Disguise with Intent
  3. Flight While Pursued by Peace Officer
  4. Dangerous Operation of Conveyance
  5. two counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
  6. Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence

He was scheduled to appear in court at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, 2201 Finch Avenue West, on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 10 a.m., in room 105.

A male youth, 15*, of Toronto, was charged with:

  1. Robbery with an Offensive Weapon
  2. Disguise with Intent
  3. two counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
  4. Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence

He was scheduled to appear in court at the Ontario Court of Justice, 10 Armoury Street, on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 10 a.m., in room 606.

A male youth, 14*, of Toronto, was charged with:

  1. two counts of Robbery with an Offensive Weapon
  2. two counts of Disguise with Intent
  3. three counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
  4. two counts of Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence

He was scheduled to appear in court at the Ontario Court of Justice, 10 Armoury Street, on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 10 a.m., in room 606.

A male youth, 14*, of Toronto, was charged with:

  1. two counts of Robbery with an Offensive Weapon
  2. two counts of Disguise with Intent
  3. three counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
  4. two counts of Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence

He was scheduled to appear in court at the Ontario Court of Justice, 10 Armoury Street, on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 10 a.m., in room 606.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7350, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.

**Please refer to Section 110, Subsection 1, of the YCJA:

110. (1) Subject to this section, no person shall publish the name of a young person, or any other information related to a young person, if it would identify the young person as a young person dealt with under this Act.***

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Police Press Releases Toronto Police

Homicide Investigation – 3 Arrested

Case #: 2024-1735319  Published: Tuesday, January 7, 2025, 2:42 PM

The Toronto Police Service is updating the public on a Homicide investigation.

See excerpt from the previous news release published on August 10, 2024:

—

On Thursday, August 8, 2024, at approximately 10:40 p.m., police responded to a call for a Shooting in the Lake Shore Boulevard East and Joseph Duggan Road area.

It is reported that:

  • a group of males were heard arguing
  • a number of gunshots were heard
  • the victim was located with a gunshot wound
  • the victim was transported to hospital where he was pronounced deceased

The victim has been identified as Dacia Mbongo, 21, of Quebec.

—

On Tuesday, January 7, 2025, investigators executed search warrants in Toronto and Durham Region.

As a result of these search warrants, three people were arrested in relation to this homicide.

Ricardo Wills, 18, of Toronto, was arrested and charged with:

  1. Second Degree Murder
  2. Robbery

He was scheduled to appear in court at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, 2201 Finch Avenue West, on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 2 p.m., in room 102.

Kenneth Neil, 26, of Ajax, was arrested and charged with:

  1. Second Degree Murder
  2. Robbery

He was scheduled to appear in court at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, 2201 Finch Avenue West, on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 2 p.m., in room 102.

Lukiara Hunter-Wilmot, 19, of Toronto, was arrested and charged with:

  1. Manslaughter
  2. Robbery

She was scheduled to appear in court at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, 2201 Finch Avenue West, on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 2 p.m., in room 102.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7400, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.

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Police Press Releases Toronto Police

Carjacking – 2 Arrested

Case #: 2025-35483  Published: Tuesday, January 7, 2025, 1:13 PM

The Toronto Police Service is making the public aware of two arrests made in a Carjacking investigation.

On Monday, January 6, 2025, at approximately 2:18 a.m., police responded to a call for Unknown Trouble in the Yonge Street and Sheppard Avenue East area.

It is alleged that:

  • the victim and three friends were travelling in their vehicle
  • a black GMC tow truck began aggressively following closely behind
  • suspects inside the GMC began waving at the victim
  • the victim’s vehicle struck several curbs as they attempted to flee
  • the victim pulled over as a result of damage to their vehicle
  • one suspect exited the GMC and ordered the victims out of their vehicle
  • the suspect drove away in the victim’s vehicle with the GMC in tandem

Officers from 32 Division quickly responded to the area and located the GMC and the victim’s vehicle. Officers surrounded the area and took the two suspects into custody.

Yusif Ibrahimov, 30, of Thornhill, was charged with:

  1. Robbery
  2. Theft of Motor Vehicle With Violence

He was scheduled to appear in court at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, 2201 Finch Avenue West, on Monday, January 6, 2025, at 10 a.m., in room 105.

Seyed-Amin Ghaem-Maghami, 27, of Richmond Hill, was charged with:

  1. Robbery
  2. Theft of Motor Vehicle With Violence
  3. Fail to Comply Undertaking

He was scheduled to appear in court at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, 2201 Finch Avenue West, on Monday, January 6, 2025, at 10 a.m., in room 105.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7350, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.

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Police Press Releases Toronto Police

Homicide – One Sent To Hospital

Case #: 2024-2814403 

Published: Tuesday, December 31, 2024, 8:00 PM

The Toronto Police Service is making the public aware of a Homicide investigation.

On Monday, December 30, 2024, at approximately 11:45 p.m., police responded to a call for an Unknown Trouble in the Old Weston Road and Rockwell Avenue area.

It is reported that:

  • officers arrived on scene and located two victims
  • life saving measures were commenced on a 29-year-old man with gunshot wounds
  • he was pronounced deceased on scene
  • a 58-year-old man with stab wounds was transported to hospital in stable condition

The vicitm has been identified as Thomas Coish, 29, of Toronto.

Police are looking for two suspects who both described as male, white and wearing dark clothing. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7400, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.

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Police Press Releases Toronto Police

Suspect Sought in Assault Cause Bodily Harm Investigation

The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance identifying a suspect in an Assault Cause Bodily Harm investigation.

On Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 11:53 p.m., police responded to a call for an Assault at the Kennedy Subway Station area.

It is reported that:

  • a man followed the victim into a bathroom stall
  • the victim confronted the man 
  • the man assaulted the victim
  • the victim was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries

The man is described as 6’0″ tall, with a medium build, short brown hair and clean shaven. He was wearing a gray sweater, black jacket and black jeans.

Images have been released.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-4100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.

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Police Press Releases Toronto Police

Man Wanted For Aggravated Assault

The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance locating a man wanted in an Aggravated Assault investigation.

On Monday, December 30, 2024, at approximately 7:43 p.m., police responded to a call for a Robbery in the Avenue Road and Deloraine Avenue area.

It is alleged that:

  • the suspect entered an LCBO store
  • he proceeded to take bottles of alcohol and put them into a box 
  • loss prevention staff members approached the suspect
  • the suspect threw a bottle which struck a loss prevention staff member before fleeing on foot
  • the victim was sent to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries

Adam Canali, 34, of Toronto, is wanted for:

  1. Robbery
  2. two counts of Assault with a Weapon
  3. Aggravated Assault
  4. Have Face Masked/Disguised
  5. two counts of Uttering Threats/Death of Bodily Harm
  6. two counts of Breach of Probation

He is described as 6’0 tall and having buzzed hair with a receding hairline. He has tattoos on his neck and both arms and hands. 

He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, black Roots sweatpants, black shoes, and a black balaclava.

Images have been released.

Investigators area asking anyone that witnessed the incident to contact police.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-3200, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.