A man who died of injuries sustained in what police believe was a robbery has been identified by police.
The incident was reported at approximately 12:30 a.m. on Wednesday at Yonge Street and Lola Road, just south of Eglinton Avenue.
Police said three men in dark clothing got into an altercation with another man in what they believe was a robbery or attempted robbery.
At some point during the altercation, one of the men was injured. The other men fled the scene.
The 25-year-old was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment for life-threatening injuries. He was pronounced dead sometime later.
Police said the victim has been identified as Zaher (Zack) Noureddine.
"I believe it was a very brazen robbery," Toronto Police Det. Jeff Allington told reporters at the scene, adding that officers don't believe any weapons were used in the fatal attack.
"I would certainly say that he was targeted and the people that robbed him chose him over any other number of people walking down the road."
However, Allington said he didn't believe Noureddine was followed, and that the attack seemed to be random and unprovoked.
"I don't believe he fought back… I don't believe the victim put up any resistance at all"
A friend of the victim described the man as "expressive" and "truthful."
The friend, who identified himself as Scott, said Nourredine worked as a salesperson and a journalist.
"He was very informed, very conscientious, soulful type of individual... We lost a really good friend, a son, a brother. He'll be missed a lot."
Police said the three suspects were seen fleeing the area in a light-coloured four-door sedan. Officers are asking business owners in the area to check their surveillance footage for anything that may be helpful in the investigation.
Investigators are going door-to-door in the area looking for witnesses, and ask those who drove down Yonge Street early Wednesday morning to review their dash cam footage.
Allington said officers believe that the incident is linked to an assault in the area of Bayview and Hillsdale Avenues, but would not provide further details on the connection.
Anyone with more information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7400, ext. 77398 or 77405. Tips can also be left anonymously at 416-222-8477 (TIPS).
