

Joshua Freeman, CP24.com





Toronto police have issued a warrant for a man accused of ripping jewelry and purses from victims and punching little girls in Scarborough.

The first incident took place on Sept. 11 at around 6:35 p.m. in the Empringham Drive and Sewells Road area.

As a 17-year-old girl was walking on the sidewalk, police say she was approached by a man who grabbed the purse off her shoulder as he passed and then ran away. Several credit cards from the purse were then fraudulently used later that day, police said.

Then on Sept. 14, a 30-year-old man was talking on his cell phone at the Scarborough Town Centre mall when he was approached by a man in a hoodie. The man tried to snatch a gold chain from his neck, but the victim was able to block him and call for help.

Later the same day, a woman was walking in the mall with her daughters when a man approached her and ripped a gold chain off her neck. When her young daughters tried to help her, police say the man punched the girls in the face several times. He then got into a nearby car and fled.

Police say the suspect is believed to be hiding somewhere in the Scarborough area.

They’ve identified a man wanted in connection with the investigation as 21-year-old Treyvon Roper of Toronto.

He is described as standing five-foot-ten and weighing around 145 pounds. He has brown eyes and black hair.

Police say Roper is believed to be violent and dangerous and anyone who spots him should call 911 immediately rather than approach him.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-4200 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).