Toronto police say three people, including two 17-year-old boys, have been arrested in connection with a series of violent robberies linked to online marketplace sales, including one alleged ambush in which a luxury watch seller was beaten with crowbars.
Superintendent Paul Krawczyk detailed results of the investigation at a press conference on Thursday, indicating that some of the high-valued items targeted in the robberies included luxury watches. In July, one victim agreed to sell a watch to an individual using the online alias “Omar Clarkson,” arranging a meeting the Ellesmere Road and Bellamy Road North area.
“When the victim arrived to complete the sale, they were allegedly ambushed by several suspects, assaulted with crow bars, and seriously injured,” said Krawczyk. “The suspects then fled with the watch.”
Krawczyk said investigators determined that the three suspects were connected to other robberies involving similar items.
“On Oct. 9, investigators learned that the suspects had arranged another meeting with someone selling a luxury watch,” he said. “[Officers] attended the meeting location and arrested two 17-year-old males who had arrived at the location with a stolen car and stolen plates.”
Two youths were subject to possession of firearm prohibitions, police say
One of the male youths was found to be in possession of a firearm. Krawczyk said both youths face more than 30 charges, including firearm offences. They were not identified by means of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
“Of particular concern, both were already subject to conditions prohibiting them from possessing firearms. One had prior convictions, while another was on a peace bond,” the superintendent said.
On Oct. 10, a third suspect, identified as Desmond Okuohae, 18, of Toronto, was arrested. He’s facing charges including robbery and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.
“Further investigation has also linked the accused to two additional incidents involving high-value items dating back to March and April; one involving the theft of a laptop and a second incident involving rare Pokémon trading cards worth more than $80,000,” said Krawczyk.
Okuohae faces additional charges in that alleged incident, including robbery and theft under $5,000. He was scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 10. The two male youths were also expected to appear in court on Oct. 10.
Krawczyk said in addition to “Omar Clarkson,” his other online aliases included “Oscar Morkil” and “Max Smith.”
“If you’re using an online marketplace, check whether it offers authentication or secure delivery services that can ship the item for you while ensuring you get paid securely,” a police spokesperson said via a news release.
On Oct. 10, a third suspect, identified as Desmond Okuohae, 18, of Toronto, was arrested. He’s facing charges including robbery and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence. Photo: Toronto police.
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