Toronto police have released security camera video in hopes of locating a suspect they believe to be the gunman in a violent home invasion.
Investigators allege that five people “conspired to commit” a robbery at an apartment building in the area of Yonge Street and Sheppard Avenue on Feb. 20. Four have since been arrested.
Several suspects had entered the building through an underground parking garage and gained entry to the home by knocking on the door.
The victim was repeatedly stabbed in the head with a screwdriver and shot in the shoulder in the struggle that ensued after two men burst into his apartment demanding jewelry and cash.
The victim is recovering well, but “not mentally,” Toronto police Hold Up Squad Staff Insp. Mike Earl said at a press conference Wednesday.
“He is still terrified and I’m sure going to be looking over his shoulder for a long time because of what he’s gone through,” Earl said.
Earl said the robbery was “well planned” and the suspects arrested are known to police. The victim had been targeted.
“I can tell you, first-hand knowledge from my investigators, that this has nothing to do with drugs or gangs,” Earl said. “This is a home invasion of an innocent individual, a business owner, and the motive for this is clearly money and property.”
Arrests were made between mid-March and the end of May. Andre Allen, 26, of Scarborough, and Toni Baxter, 26, Mark Bollers, 27, and Krystle Cormack, 33, all of North York, are facing several charges including a count each of attempted murder.
They are scheduled to appear in court throughout this month.
Police said the case is connected to a Kingston police investigation of a similar home invasion on Feb. 15. Bollers has been charged in both robberies.
Earl said he had been out on bail facing firearms charges at the time and was being tracked through an ankle bracelet.
One suspect remains outstanding in the Kingston case. Earl said it’s possible that the suspect wanted in the Toronto robbery could be the same man.
Toronto police are asking anyone with information to call 416-808-7350 or reach out to Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
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