Man, 18, and two youths accused of violent Toronto robberies
· Toronto Sun
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Three people have been charged, including two youths, and a firearm was seized following a police investigation into violent robberies in Toronto involving online marketplace sales.
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Toronto Police identified the suspects as an 18-year-old man and two 17-year-old boys. One youth was accused of breaching a peace bond while the other was accused of breaching probation.
Supt. Paul Krawczyk, speaking from police headquarters Thursday morning, said the Major Crime Unit at 43 Division began an investigation in July following a violent robbery linked to an online marketplace sale of a luxury watch.
“I want to remind the public that while online marketplaces are a convenient way to buy and sell items, there are risks particularly with dealing with smartphones, expensive watches, jewelry and other high value goods,” Krawczyk said.
“And several of these cases, victims were directed to meet at or near bank locations and were asked a photograph or inspect the item there. While many people may view a bank as a safe meeting place, these suspects were allegedly monitoring victims from nearby and using the bank setting to gain their trust.”
Suspect appeared interested in watch
According to police, the victim was communicating with the suspect using the name “Omar Clarkson” through the online marketplace who appeared interested in buying the watch.
Cops said the victim agreed to meet with the suspect in the Ellesmere Rd. and Bellamy Rd. N. area of Scarborough. It is alleged that multiple suspects arrived in a vehicle, assaulted the victim causing serious injuries, and stole the watch.
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As the investigation continued, police said officers identified a group of individuals they believed were connected to similar robberies targeting people selling expensive items online.
Police learned that the group had arranged to meet another person selling a luxury watch on Oct. 9. Officers from the 42 and 43 Division Major Crime Units along with Toronto Police Dog Services set up near the planned meeting location in the Hwy. 401 and Weston Rd. area in North York.
It’s alleged the suspects arrived in a stolen vehicle displaying stolen licence plates. Officers then moved in and arrested two 17-year-old youths, cops said, adding a third suspect fled the area.
Loaded handgun seized during arrest
A loaded Glock handgun with an extended magazine was found on one of arrested youths, according to police.
The next day, investigators executed three search warrants in Toronto that led to the arrest of the third suspect.
Desmond Okuonhae, 18, of Toronto, 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, following further investigation, that the accused was involved in two additional online marketplace robberies, one involving the theft of a laptop in March and the robbery of a rare Pokemon trading card collection valued at approximately $80,000 in April.
Okuonhae was additionally charged with robbery and theft under $5,000.
There may be additional victims
Investigators believe there may be additional victims who interacted with Okuonhae through online marketplaces and allege that he used the online aliases “Oscar Morkil,” “Max Smith,” and “Omar Clarkson.”
Both youths were each charged with multiple gun offences including robbery with an offensive weapon, occupy motor vehicle with firearm, possess loaded regulated firearm, possess restricted or prohibited firearm knowingly not holding a license, possess firearm without holding a license, possess prohibited device knowing no authority, possess weapon dangerous to public peace, possess property or thing obtained by crime exceeding $5,000, two counts of possess property or thing obtained by crime not exceeding $5,000, disguise with intent, and conspiracy to commit an indicatable offence.
In addition, one youth was also accused of carrying a concealed weapon, breach of probation, and three counts of possessing a firearm while prohibited, while the other youth was also accused of breach of recognizance.
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“If you’re selling a valuable item, consider using a reputable dealer or reseller who can handle the transaction for you,” Krawczyk said.
“Some online platforms also offer authentication, secure payment and delivery services that can help reduce the risks associated with meeting a stranger in person.
He said while no meeting location is completely risk-free to complete an online transaction, there are places and steps people can take to protect themselves from being a victim.
“Meet in a busy well, lit public place,” Krawczyk said. “Bring someone with you and consider using police divisions or a designated safe exchange zone where available. And most importantly, if something doesn’t feel right about the transaction, walk away. No sale is worth putting your personal safety at risk.”
Anyone with further information is asked to contact the 43 Division Major Crime Unit at 416-808-4300.