Police Seek Suspect In Violent Purse Snatchings

They’re not your typical purse snatchings and that’s what has authorities so concerned.

Police are searching for a suspect responsible for robbing two women of their handbags outside an apartment building on Kennedy Road. The bandit pointed a gun at the victims’ heads, even though they voluntarily handed over their purses and showed no resistance.

“Both women were completely compliant, but he chose to knock them to the ground anyways and put this gun to their head before running away,” Det. Larry Straver explained.

“And so we are concerned that this man is, you know, a little more violent than normal for a normal purse snatch and we want it to stop now before it gets too bad.”

The attacks happened months apart, the first on September 9th, 2006 and the second on Dec. 29, but the chain of events were nearly identical.

Both incidents happened between 9:30pm and 10pm outside 1950 Kennedy Rd., near Ellesmere and Highway 401.

Police say both victims, in their late 30s, had just parked their cars near the front entrance of the building when the suspect ambushed them, screamed obscenities and demanded they hand over their purses while pointing a handgun in their faces.

“He is pointing a gun directly at these women’s heads. Should there ever be in any other case, any resistance or anything and that gun accidentally fires or intentionally fires, then we are dealing with a homicide and that’s something we don’t want to have,” Straver said.

On Friday Toronto Police and Crime Stoppers released a re-enactment of the terrifying crimes (pictured) hoping members of the public would step forward with information.

The suspect is described as:

  • Black
  • Medium build,
  • Mid 20s
  • 5’8″ – 6′

He was wearing dark clothing, including a hooded sweatshirt and a balaclava. Authorities say he should be considered armed and dangerous.

If you know who he is or have any information that could help investigators, call 41 Division at (416) 808-4106 or Crime Stoppers at (416) 222-TIPS.

To see the Crime Stoppers re-enactment, click here.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today