Man arrested in violent robbery, John Stephanis, 51,

The Toronto Police Service Hold Up would like to make the public aware of an arrest made in a violent robbery at a fast food restaurant.

It is alleged that:

- on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at 11:55 p.m., a man entered a fast food take-out establishment in the Bloor Street West and Keele Street area

- he initially placed an order at the counter

- the 19-year-old employee was at the cash register when the man removed a sharp object from his sweater and vaulted the counter

- he grabbed the employee and placed him in a choke hold, pointed the sharp object at him and demanded cash

- the employee was able to break free and run but was recaptured, brought back to the cash register and the man obtained some money

- he fled and was observed by witnesses getting into a cab

- 11 Division officers located the man in the cab and he was arrested


John Stephanis, 51, of Vaughan, was charged by Hold Up with:

1. Robbery with an offensive weapon
2. Possession of a weapon to commit an indictable offence
3. Carry concealed weapon
4. Possession of property obtained by crime (under)

He appeared in court at Old City Hall on Sunday, May 19, 2019, 10 a.m., room 111.


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