Wrench-wielding suspect leaves with can of soda after allegedly failing to steal money from Markham dessert shop

A police badge is visible on a York Regional Police officer's uniform. (Source: YRP/X)

Police in York Region are searching for a wrench-wielding suspect who they say tried to steal money from a dessert shop in Markham on Monday, but only left with a can of soda.

On Tuesday, York Regional Police (YRP) released security footage of the robbery that occurred at the shop near Cooper Creek Boulevard at around 8:15 p.m.

In the video, the suspect wearing a mask and carrying a backpack enters the store 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 soda 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.

In the news release, YRP allege the Good Samaritan was assaulted by the suspect but did not sustain serious injuries.

The suspect is described as a dark-skinned male, six-foot-three with a thin build. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie with the hood up, a surgical mask, black pants, a black Champion backpack and black Nike running shoes with a white logo.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact them at 1-866-876-5423 ext. 6630 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Editor’s Note - Sept. 25, 2025: This article has been updated to remove the suspect’s photos, as he has since been identified as a 16-year-old boy.