Saliem Talash, 26, of Toronto arrested after violent jewelry store armed robberies

The Toronto Police Service is making the public aware of a robbery investigation.

On Monday, August 21, 2023, police responded to a robbery call in the Wilson Avenue and Dufferin Street area.

It is alleged that:

• a man dressed in construction clothing attended a jewellery store acting as though he was there to do work
• he grabbed an employee and tried unsuccessfully to bind their hands with zip-ties
• he produced a hammer and began to smash the glass display cases and removing the jewellery
• he then produced a knife and threatened the employees
• after a brief struggle, he dropped his toolbox, backpack and knife before fleeing the area empty-handed

On Thursday, August 31, 2023,  police responded to a person with a gun call in the Yonge Street and Empress Avenue area.

It is alleged that:

• a man attended a jewellery store for a pre-arranged meeting to make a large purchase of merchandise
• he spent some time discussing the transaction with the employees and then requested to see a watch he was trying to purchase
• the employee handed him the watch and he immediately fled the store
• the employees ran after the man and a violent struggle ensued when they caught up with him
• the man produced a handgun and threatened the employees
• Security officers working in the mall quickly arrived and took the man into custody

It is further alleged that:

• at the time of the arrest, officers recovered the stolen watch and a replica handgun

Saliem Talash, 26, of Toronto, was charged with:

1.  two counts of Robbery With Offensive Weapon
2.  Disguise With Intent
3.  Use Imitation Firearm During Commission of Indictable Offence
4.  Assault With Weapon
5.  Weapons Dangerous
6.  Carry Concealed Weapon
7.  Uttering Threats
8.  Possession Counterfeit Money
9.  Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over

He will appear in court on Friday, September 1, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, 2201 Finch Avenue West, Room 105.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7350, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.