Toronto police are offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to an arrest as they mark the three-year anniversary of a gas station attendant's death.
The reward was announced at a news conference Tuesday in connection with the death of 44-year-old Jayesh Prajapati, killed Sept. 15, 2012.
Prajapati was fatally struck by a vehicle at a Shell gas station located at the intersection of Marlee and Roselawn Avenues, west of Allen Road. Prajapati was trying to stop a driver from leaving the gas station without paying a $112 bill.
"I miss my husband... I need justice," Prajapati's widow Vaishali said through tears on Tuesday.
Shortly after the incident, police identified the suspect as Max Edwin Tutiven, then 39. Police issued photos and security camera footage in the days following Prajapati's death, but Tutiven remains at large.
"We have been unable to capture him, and he has remained a free man for three years," Det. Sgt. Stacy Gallant said Tuesday.
"The time has come for that to end."
Gallant announced the $25,000 reward, hoping the financial incentive will convince someone to come forward. In addition to the 2012 case, Gallant said Tutiven is also wanted on other charges from Toronto and Quebec police.
"We know that there are people out there that know where Max is. Anyone that is identified as assisting Tutiven in evading arrest will also be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Gallant said.
"Max, your days are numbered."
Tutiven has been described as a 42-year-old man who is approximately 5-foot-7. He has black hair and brown eyes, and weighs approximately 220 pounds.
He wears glasses, and has scars on both cheeks, his right elbow, and the right side of his chest and abdomen. He also goes by the names Maxwell Edwin, Max Edwin Leon, Max Edwin Tutivan, Max Fi Tutivan, Maxi Pad X Tra Tutven and Maxipads Tutiven, according to an RCMP profile.
Police said he has connections in southern Ontario, Montreal and Ecuador. Police believe he may be driving a 2000 to 20003 silver or beige four-door Isuzu Rodeo. The vehicle may have stolen plates attached to it.
Anyone who spots Tutiven is warned not to approach him, but to report the sighting to Toronto police at 416-808-7400. Tipsters can also contact their local RCMP detachment or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
Prajapati's death inspired Bill 12, also known as "Jayesh's Law," an act that would require customers to pre-pay at the pumps, and would toughen rules against employers who expect employees to pay for stolen gas. The private members' bill, which was introduced by Eglinton-Lawrence MPP Mike Colle, was stalled in October 2012 when then-premier Dalton McGuinty suspended the legislature.
