Toronto Police have arrested a man in connection with an armed cannabis store robbery that occurred on June 21. 

On Wednesday, June 28, 2023, members of the Toronto Police Services (TPS) Hold Up Squad located the man and took him into custody. Hold Up is responsible for conducting investigations into the offences such as robberies occurring at retail business establishments, robberies occurring at financial institutions, robberies involving armoured truck personnel, and home invasion robberies

Police were called to a cannabis store near Dundas Street West and Burnhamthorpe Road on Wednesday, June 21, after a male suspect allegedly entered the store, produced a handgun, and jumped over the checkout counter.

Police allege the man then tackled an employee and placed them in a chokehold while demanding they open a safe. He also allegedly struck an employee several times with the handgun, before taking cash from the register and safe, as well as cannabis products, before fleeing the store. 

Members of the Hold Up Squad commenced an investigation and were able to identify the man as Richard Robert Smith, 38, of Milton, Ontario. Smith is charged with robbery with a firearm, and assault with a weapon. 

On Wednesday, June 28, 2023, members of the Hold Up Squad located the man and took him into custody, for dangerous weapons, two counts of possession of property obtained by crime, and a failure to comply with probation. 

Smith appeared in court for a Bail Hearing on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at 10:00 am, at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre.