A man accused of shooting a security guard at Fairview Mall is a serial thief wanted in several robberies across Ontario and Quebec, Toronto police allege.
Investigators announced Monday a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect, who has been wanted since the incident occurred last Tuesday.
Police were called around 10:05 a.m. April 21 for reports of a shooting inside the mall, which is located at Sheppard Avenue and Don Mills Road.
A security guard confronted a man who had broken into a jewelry store and stolen merchandise. During that interaction, the security guard was shot, police said. The victim was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
Insp. Kristy Smith said 53-year-old Montreal resident Kyle Douglas Prouse is their suspect. Prouse is also wanted for several robberies and break and enters in Ontario and Quebec dating back to 2023.
“This is an individual who has demonstrated a pattern of escalating and dangerous behaviour,” Smith told reporters.
“We are concerned about the risk he poses to public safety, and we are asking for the public’s help to locate him.”
Investigators also tied Prouse to a jewelry store robbery in Oshawa and an auto theft in Pickering in August 2023.
“Both incidents are related as the stolen vehicle was used in the commission of the jewelry store break-and-enter,” Durham Const. Nick Gluckstein told Global News in an email last Thursday.
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“Prouse is believed to have stolen over $235,000 worth of jewelry.”
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Police allege Prouse drove away from Fairview Mall in a white van, travelling southbound on Don Mills. It was later recovered near Shaughnessy and George Henry boulevards. Police allege he then left that scene in a black Honda Accord.
Investigators said Prouse was last seen wearing a grey hoodie with the hood up, grey pants, a blue baseball cap, a white medical mask and black shoes. There were flecks of white paint on his clothing.
Police added that Prouse is also believed to have connections to Vancouver and Toronto.
“I also want to be clear anyone who is assisting him, harbouring him or helping him avoid arrest may face criminal charges. This is a serious offence. If you have information, now is the time to come forward,” Smith said.
“To Mr. Prouse directly: the safest and smartest thing you can do is contact a lawyer and turn yourself in to police.”
The reward announced Monday is time-sensitive and will remain in effect until June 30, investigators said.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact police.
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