Boy, 16, arrested in Markham dessert shop robbery

A York Regional Police patch is shown Dec, 19, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Arlyn McAdorey

A suspect who was caught on security camera brandishing a wrench during a robbery at a dessert shop in Markham on Monday has been arrested, York Regional Police (YRP) say.

The arrest comes days after police released the footage in an effort to find the suspect.

In the video, the suspect, wearing a mask and carrying a backpack, enters the store on Copper Creek Drive and speaks to the employee working at the counter.

As they are having a conversation, he takes his backpack off, opens it and pulls out a wrench.

He demands the employee give him money. The man can then be seen going behind the counter, only taking a can of pop before walking out of the shop.

A Good Samaritan who is passing by checks if the employee is okay as the suspect rides his white mountain bike away from the shop.

YRP alleges the Good Samaritan was assaulted by the suspect but did not sustain serious injuries.

In a news release on Thursday, police said a member of the public recognized the suspect and called them.

The tip resulted in the arrest of a 16-year-old boy. Police said they also searched a Markham home where they recovered property related to the case.

The boy has been charged with robbery, disguise with intent, assault and breach of conditions.