12-year-old girl among suspects charged in North York armed robberies

Police have arrested six people, including a 12-year-old girl, in connection with two armed robberies in North York earlier this year.

Officers responded to a robbery at a retail business in the area of Victoria Park and Van Horne avenues, south of Finch Avenue, on Jan. 2.

Investigators allege two female suspects went into the store and asked to buy cigarettes. Four male suspects burst in shortly after and ran behind the counter.

Police say one of the males pulled out a gun and demanded cash from the register before assaulting the staff member and hitting him in the head several times.

The suspects fled the store with cash and items from the shelves.

Related: 12-year-old boy charged in attempted stabbing, robbery in Pickering

Three days later, on Jan. 5, police responded to another robbery call in the same area.

Investigators allege three male suspects walked into a store donning masks and demanded cash from the register.

Police say one of the suspects pulled out a gun and pointed it at the employee behind the counter, while another suspect pulled out pepper spray and sprayed them.

The suspects fled the store with cash and cigarettes.

Members of the Toronto police Hold Up Squad initially identified three suspects. Officers executed a search warrant at a residence on Jan. 11 and seized two replica handguns they believe were used during the robberies.

One week later, on Jan. 18, police made three arrests after executing three more search warrants at other residences. A 38-year-old woman, who police have identified as Kristine Dorsey, as well as a 12-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy were taken into custody.

Investigators eventually identified more suspects. A 14-year-old boy was arrested on Jan. 23, and a 16-year-old by was arrested on Feb. 8.

The teens cannot be identified due to provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Related: Police make arrest in GTA bank robbery spree

Insp. Rich Harris with the Hold Up Squad tells CityNews there has been a steady increase in youth being enticed to take part in violent crimes with adult counterparts.

“In this particular case, it is a different level of concern when you’ve got someone as young as some of the accused taking part in an armed robbery,” says Harris.

All five suspects are from Toronto and are charged with robbery with a firearm and disguise with intent. All five appeared in a Toronto courtroom at various dates earlier this year.

Police arrested a sixth suspect, a 21-year-old man, on Wednesday. Ronald Irakoze, of no fixed address, is facing several charges including two counts of robbery with a firearm and two counts of disguise with intent.

Anyone with further information is being asked to contact Toronto police or Crime Stoppers.