Man arrested after two violent robbery attempts at jewellery stores in North York
Posted September 1, 2023 10:18 am.
Last Updated September 1, 2023 10:25 am.
A Toronto man is facing several charges after he allegedly attempted to rob two jewellery stores in North York while brandishing weapons.
Police say they responded to a robbery call at a business in the area of Wilson Avenue and Dufferin Street on Aug. 21.
It’s alleged a suspect disguised as a construction worker with a toolbox entered the store and pretended he was there to do work.
The suspect grabbed an employee and tried to bind their hands with zip-ties before pulling out a hammer and smashing glass display cases and removing jewellery. Police allege the suspect then pulled out a knife and started threatening the store employees.
After a struggle, the suspect dropped his toolbox, backpack and knife before fleeing the store without any stolen items.
Toronto police responded to a second incident on Thursday at a jewellery store in a mall near Yonge Street and Empress Avenue.
It’s alleged the suspect went to the store for a scheduled meeting to buy an expensive watch. While discussing the transaction with employees he asked to see the watch.
When handed the watch by employees he immediately fled the store. The workers ran after the man and ended up in a violent struggle before the suspect pulled out a gun and threatened the employees.
Security officers working at the mall arrived and took the man into custody. Officers recovered the stolen watch and a replica handgun.
Toronto resident Saliem Talash, 26, is facing 10 charges including two counts of armed robbery. He appeared in a Toronto courtroom on Friday morning.
Anyone with further information is being asked to contact police.
