Police are advising New Year’s Eve revelers to be on the alert in the wake of several violent and seemingly random street robberies that have taken place over the last two weeks.
Zaher ‘Zack’ Noureddine, 25, was pronounced dead Wednesday after he was attacked by several suspects outside a bar on Yonge Street near Eglinton Avenue in what police have described as a “brazen robbery.”
The incident came about 30 minutes after another violent street robbery near Bayview and Hillsdale avenues and police say they believe the two attacks may be connected.
In addition to Wednesday’s violence, another two Toronto residents were also robbed and assaulted on Dec. 15. One of them, 39-year-old cancer researcher Mark Ernsting, later died of the injuries he suffered in the attack near Yonge and Gerrard streets.
“We still consider it a safe city and we just encourage you to be aware of your surroundings and what’s going on,” Const. Allyson Douglas-Cook told CTV News on Thursday. “Be with a friend if you can. If you are going to be out late drinking, just don’t do it by yourself.”
A 21-year-old man has been charged with both attacks on Dec. 15, however police are continuing to look for suspects in connection with Wednesday’s homicide.
Speaking at Toronto police headquarters on College Street, Douglas-Cook said the message to those ringing in 2016 and those simply making their way around the city in the coming days is simple.
“Just trust your instincts,” she said.
Remember for instant breaking news follow @cp24 on Twitter.
