Toronto Police have arrested and charged a 24-year-old man in connection with a series of five armed retail robberies that targeted stores across the city's north end over a two-week period in late December and early January.
A Pattern of Knife-Point Threats
According to police, the incidents followed a similar pattern. In each case, a man would enter a store, often wearing a mask to disguise his identity, approach the checkout counter, and indicate he was armed with a knife while demanding cash. The spree began on December 23, 2025, at approximately 4:25 p.m. in the area of Steeles Avenue East and Leslie Street.
Police allege the suspect handed an employee a note stating he had a knife and demanded money, fleeing with a quantity of cash. The second robbery occurred four days later on December 27 near Steeles Avenue East and Pharmacy Avenue. In this incident, investigators say the masked man walked behind the counter, produced a knife, and threatened an employee before taking cash and escaping.
Robberies Continue into the New Year
The string of crimes continued with a third robbery on December 28 around 5:10 p.m. near Steeles Avenue West and Weston Road. Police state the suspect, with his hand in his pocket, indicated he had a knife and made a cash demand before fleeing successfully.
A fourth attempt took place on December 30 around 4 p.m. in the Steeles Avenue West and Bathurst Street area. In this case, the alleged robber opened his jacket to display a knife in his pocket but ultimately fled the store empty-handed. The final incident in the series happened on January 7, 2026, shortly before 10:30 a.m., back in the Steeles Avenue East and Leslie Street area.
During this last robbery, police allege that when a second employee approached, the suspect flashed the knife and made a threat before escaping with cash.
Investigation Leads to Arrest and Charges
The Toronto Police Hold Up Squad took over the investigation and identified a suspect. A collaborative search involving officers from the 31, 32, 33, and 42 Division Major Crime Units led to the arrest of the man on Thursday, January 15, 2026.
Police executed a search warrant related to the investigation. During the search, officers allegedly recovered a knife believed to have been used in the crimes, as well as clothing thought to have been worn during the robberies.
Mohamed Ismail, 24, of Toronto, now faces a total of 14 charges, including:
- Five counts of robbery with an offensive weapon
- Four counts of disguise with intent
- Four counts of possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace
- One count of assault with a weapon
Toronto Police are asking anyone with further information about these incidents to contact them at 416-808-7350 or to provide tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or online at 222tips.com.
