Police say they have arrested one of the so-called "Phantom Four" bandits believed to be responsible for a dozen bank robberies this year.
According to Toronto Police Service's Hold Up Squad, there has been a 75 per cent spike in bank robberies during the first three months of the year, compared to the same period last year. Earlier this week, they asked for the public’s help in nabbing the four suspects thought responsible for 10 of the 12 unresolved thefts.
On Thursday, they announced they nabbed the “Pleather Bandit,” a man wanted for robbing a Bank of Montreal branch at King Street West and Dufferin Street in early March, wearing a brown “pleather,” or fake leather, jacket.
Police say they arrested 51-year-old Gustav Khan Wednesday as a direct result of a tip from the public. Khan has been charged with one count of robbery and had his first court appearance on Thursday.
Police allege the “Pleather Bandit” entered the bank in the city’s west end, handed over a note indicating he was armed with a gun and demanded the teller hand over a specific amount of money.
No weapon was seen but the man kept his right hand inside his pocket, indicating he was armed.
Police appealed to the public two days ago for help with nabbing the “Phantom Four.” The other bandits include:
- The Man in Black Bandit, accused of two hold-ups in January.
- The Box Cutter Bandit accused in robbing two banks on March 12 within an hour of each other; and another robbery at Bloor Street and Windermere Avenue, as well as another branch at Bloor Street and Royal York Road.
- The Joker or Mummy Bandit, who police say is responsible for seven bank robberies since October.
With a report from CTV Toronto's crime reporter Tamara Cherry
