Three suspects have been charged in connection with a series of violent retail robberies this winter, as police continue to search for one outstanding suspect.
According to police, a group of four men targeted a number of variety stores in the city’s east end and in York Region between Dec. 6, 2013 and Jan. 8, 2014.
The exact locations of the robberies were not provided by police.
During the robberies, the armed men wearing disguises would demand cash and cigarettes from store employees. In a number of the robberies, employees were assaulted with the firearms, police said.
In a release issued Tuesday, police identified three suspects arrested in connection with the case.
Cory Higgs, 25, of Toronto, is charged with nine counts of armed robbery, five counts of wearing a disguise with intent, and possession of property obtained by crime.
Twenty-year-old Tivone Earl Harriott, of Toronto, is charged with eight counts of armed robbery, four counts of disguise with intent, and three counts of possession of property obtained by crime.
Markham resident Richard Jumpp, 25, is charged with nine counts of armed robbery, five counts of wearing a disguise with intent, and possession of property obtained by crime.
The men appeared in court late last month.
Police continue to search for one outstanding suspect in connection with the robberies.
An arrest warrant has been issued for 28-year-old Oswald Forde, of Toronto. He is wanted for eight counts of armed robbery and four counts of wearing a disguise with intent.
Forde is considered armed and dangerous, and should not be approached if spotted, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7350 or Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
