13-year-old facing multiple charges in connection with string of thefts in Toronto

A 13-year-old boy is facing multiple charges following a string of robberies that happened throughout the day last Friday in Toronto. (Toronto Police Service)

A 13-year-old boy is facing multiple charges following a string of robberies that happened throughout the day last Friday in Toronto.

There are four robberies police say the accused is allegedly connected to with the first starting early morning, around 5:25 a.m., in the area of Islington Avenue and Steeles Avenue West, located west of Fenmar Drive.

Police say the victim was standing by their car when a lone suspect wearing a mask approached them, pulled out a handgun, and demanded their keys and wallet.

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A second suspect walked up, police say, and started pilfering through the victim's pockets before allegedly taking their keys and wallet.

Then, the first suspect allegedly drove off in the victim's vehicle while the second fled the area on foot.

Almost two hours later, at 7:15 a.m., police say they responded to a robbery in the area of Finch Avenue West and Humberline Drive, about a 12 minute drive or an hour-and-a-half walk from the first reported theft.

Similar to the first incident, police say a lone male suspect wearing a mask allegedly approached a victim standing on the street with a gun in hand and demanded cash. They add he allegedly took some money before taking off, but police did not say if it was by foot or car.

Later that afternoon, around 1:50 p.m., police say they were called to a restaurant located in the area of Kipling Avenue and Rexdale Boulevard.

The suspect allegedly walked into the establishment with a mask and pulled out a handgun before jumping over the counter. Police say the employee was able to run away, and the suspect left empty-handed.

About 20 minutes later, in the same area, police say the suspect allegedly walked into a store demanding money at gunpoint. They add he allegedly took some cash before fleeing the area.

Officers quickly responded and brought the suspect into custody, when police say they recovered a replica handgun and items of evidentiary value related to their investigation.

Police say they recovered the victim's stolen vehicle, but could not provide a description about the outstanding suspect.

On Tuesday, police say they charged the 13-year-old with various offences, including four counts of robbery with an offensive weapon and five counts of failure to comply with release order. The charges have not been tested in court and the accused's identity is protected under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact them or Crime Stoppers anonymously.