An overnight crime spree that ended with a “high-risk takedown” saw multiple robberies and a man stabbed in the head with a butcher knife, Toronto police say.
Toronto police issued a news release Friday morning about the incidents and said it’s believed the suspects committed the crimes in less than three hours.
Police said two arrests have been made, while one male remains outstanding.
Officers responded to the first incident at 11:34 p.m. Thursday in the Keele Street and Lepage Court area, south of Finch Avenue West.
Police said the victim, previously reported to be a man in his 60s, was parking his car when a black sedan pulled up.
Two men exited the sedan and approached the victim, demanded his keys, and a struggle ensued, police said.
One man pulled out a “large” butcher knife, police said, and stabbed the victim twice in the head.
The suspects then went back to their car and fled without the victim’s vehicle.
The man who was stabbed was reported to have suffered serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.
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A short time later, at 12:15 a.m. Friday, officers responded to a robbery in the Bathurst Street and Steeles Avenue West area.
Police said two men armed with handguns entered a store, approached the cash register and demanded cash, cigarettes and vape products.
They obtained all three before fleeing the scene, police said.
Thirty minutes later — at 12:45 a.m. — officers again responded to a robbery call, this time in the area of Bathurst Street and Haddington Avenue.
A group of people were standing together when they were approached by a dark sedan, police said.
Two men allegedly exited the vehicle while armed with handguns, approached the group and demanded they hand over personal belongings.
The suspects reportedly took multiple items before fleeing.
Then again, 30 minutes later at 1:15 a.m., officers responded to the Keele Street and York Boulevard area for a robbery.
Three men armed with handguns entered a store, approached the cash register and demanded cash, cigarettes and lottery tickets, police said.
They got those items before fleeing the scene, officers said.
The last incident happened in the Bayview and Cummer avenues area.
Police responded to the scene at 1:50 a.m. for a report of a robbery.
The victim was sitting in his parked vehicle when two men armed with handguns approached, police said.
One of the men reportedly entered the passenger seat and demanded that the victim hand over the keys.
The victim left the keys and fled on foot, police said, while the two men stole the vehicle and fled.
“Officers from 33 Division responded quickly, conducting a search of the surrounding area,” the release said.
“The stolen vehicle was located, while being driven by the two men. The officers conducted a high-risk take down of the vehicle, and the men were taken into custody.”
A loaded handgun, a loaded magazine, and the stolen vehicle were recovered, police said.
Toronto residents Giorgi Tchintcharashvili, 42, and Jaba Suarishvili, 29, each face numerous charges. They were scheduled to appear in court Friday morning for bail hearings.
A third male suspect has not yet been identified but is considered armed and dangerous, police added.
Anyone with information can contact investigators at 416-808-7350 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477.
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