3 arrested after Toronto marketplace sellers targeted in violent robberies: police

Toronto police believe there may be more victims of a series of violent robberies targeting people who advertised high-value items on online marketplaces.

Доп. Paul Krawczyk of 43 Division told reporters Thursday the investigation began in July when someone selling a luxury watch was assaulted and robbed during an in-person transaction.

An individual using the name “Omar Clarkson ” had expressed interest in buying the watch. Продавачът уреди среща с купувача покрай пътищата Ellesmere и Bellamy. Police allege multiple suspects who were armed with crowbars arrived in a vehicle and ambushed the seller.

Krawczyk said investigators believe a group was targeting people who advertised high-value items online. After learning the suspects arranged to meet another watch seller on Oct. 9, police set up near the planned meeting location around Highway 401 and Weston Road.

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When the suspects allegedly arrived in a stolen vehicle displaying stolen licence plates, officers moved in and arrested two 17-year-olds. A third suspect fled the area but was arrested a day later.

“One of the youths was found in possession of a firearm equipped with a prohibited extended magazine, ” Krawczyk said.

The two youths face more than 30 charges combined, including robbery and multiple firearms offences. Кравчик сподели, че и двамата към този момент са подложени на условия, забраняващи им да имат огнестрелни оръжия. One had prior convictions while the other one was on a peace bond, Krawczyk added.

Desmond Okuonhae, 18, was charged with robbery with an offensive weapon, possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.

Police allege Okuonhae was also involved in a laptop theft in March and the robbery of a rare Pokémon trading card collection worth $80,000 in April.

He was charged with robbery and theft under $5,000 in connection to those incidents.

Police believe there may be additional victims who arranged online marketplace transactions with Okuonhae. Investigators allege he used the names “Oscar Morkil, ” “Max Smith ” and “Omar Clarkson. ”

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.