A Toronto man is charged with robbery after a victim depositing money at an ATM was approached by a suspect who said he had a gun in Markham Friday afternoon.
The victim was at a bank at Woodbine Avenue and 16th Avenue to deposit a large sum of money, when a man demanded money, as well as the victim’s watch, cellphone and wallet on Friday, Aug. 25 at about 2:55 p.m., according to York Regional Police. The suspect then grabbed the bag of money and fled northbound on Woodbine.
The victim and a witness then followed the suspect in a vehicle, police said. When the suspect attempted to jump over a fence, he was stopped and arrested by an off-duty York Regional Police officer who was in the area.
The victim’s money was recovered. No one was physically injured.
Investigators believe this was a targeted incident and there is no risk to public safety, police said.
Syed Hofioni, 35, is charged with robbery.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Hold-Up Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6630, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online.
