Toronto

Man charged after unprovoked choking attack, robbery in Toronto on Christmas Eve

Police say they have arrested and charged a 36-year-old man in an unprovoked choking assault and a robbery on Christmas Eve. Officers responded to a call about a man assaulting a female victim in the area of Queen Street West and University Avenue just before 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

Accused wielded a hammer and threatened a business employee, Toronto police say

A Toronto Police office uniform logo is pictured.
Toronto police say the accused choked a female victim on Tuesday without any provocation after approaching her on the street, then robbed a store on Queen Street. (Evan Mitsui/CBC)

Toronto police say they have arrested and charged a 36-year-old man in connection with a unprovoked choking assault and a robbery on Christmas Eve.

Police say officers responded to a call about a man assaulting a female victim near Queen Street West and University Avenue just before 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

They say a man choked the victim without any provocation after approaching her on the street.

Police further allege that the same man robbed a store near Yonge Street and Wellesley Street E. not long after that.

They say he entered the business at 6:50 p.m., wielded a hammer and threatened an employee before taking multiple items without paying.

Police identified a suspect earlier this week, arrested him on Thursday and charged him with assault/choking and robbery with a weapon.

The accused is scheduled to appear in court on Saturday morning. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact police or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers.