Security video shows ‘assault rifle’ used to rob Scarborough gas station

TORONTO – Security footage has been released showing two men using what Toronto police say is an assault rifle to rob a gas station in Scarborough.

Investigators say two suspects walked into an Esso gas station near Kingston and Scarborough Golf Club roads just after 10:30 p.m. on Dec. 21, 2014.

One of the suspects stayed by the front door pointing what police describe as an assault rifle at customers and employees while demanding money, the police-released surveillance video shows. Footage from a second security camera shows the other suspect went behind the counter and removed cash and cigarettes.

Canadian Shooting Sports Association spokesman Tony Bernardo says it is difficult to be certain if the rifle is real.

“It is quite possibly an air gun. There are some size issues around the ejection port and front sight but given the graininess of the images it is difficult to be conclusive,” Bernardo said in an email to Global News.

“I have seen AR-15 look like air rifles many times before and as the firearm in question was not fired, it is difficult to be certain it isn’t an air gun.”

Police say the threat from the gun was present regardless if the weapon looked real or not.

“Regardless if it’s real or fake the victims had no idea,”said Toronto police Cst. Victor Kwong. “We have confiscated real guns like this in the past.”

Both suspects are described as thin black men, between 5’5 and 5’6 tall and 20 and 25 years old.

The suspect carrying the gun was wearing black pants and a hoodie. The other suspect was last seen wearing a dark coat with two white strips around the waist and cuffs and his face was masked by a bandana.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7350, or Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS.