Toronto police say a man is in custody after he allegedly robbed two Parkdale convenience stores by threatening employees with a meat cleaver.

According to police, the first robbery occurred on Sept. 3, at around 3:30 p.m.

The suspect walked into a variety store at 1306 King Street West and allegedly produced a note demanding cash and brandished a meat cleaver.

Less than two hours later, police say the man did the same thing at a convenience store at 1473 Queen Street West.

Officers responding to the robberies managed to spot a man matching the description of the suspect and he was arrested a short time later.

Terrance Bleakney, 47, of Toronto, is charged with two counts of robbery, two counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 and failing to comply with conditions of an undertaking.