York Regional Police say one of their officers just happened to be outside a Vaughan gas station when three men accused of robbing it stepped outside to make their escape.
Just before midnight on Tuesday, the officer was patrolling in the area of Steeles and Kipling avenues because of several recent hold-ups in the area.
A few minutes later, police said three men entered a gas station near the intersection, allegedly demanding cash and cigarettes from a gas station employee. One of the men allegedly drew a handgun.
Police say the gas station employee suffered minor injuries.
As the three suspects exited the gas station, the patrolling officer challenged them and was able to stop two of them, placing them under arrest. The third suspect fled on foot.
A loaded revolver, cash and cigarettes were recovered.
An investigation linked the two suspects in custody to another robbery at the same gas station that occurred on Jan. 8, as well as a grocery store robbery on Hullmar Drive in Toronto that occurred on Jan. 21.
Felipe Udofe, 21, of no fixed address, has been charged with three counts of robbery with a firearm and three counts of wearing a disguise with intent.
Anthony Debattista, 18, of Toronto, faces the same six charges.
The outstanding suspect is described as a black male, standing five-feet-ten inches to six feet tall. He is approximately 20 to 25 years old. He was last seen wearing all black clothing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6631, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
