50-year-old man charged in connection with 4 bank robberies in Vaughan this year

A photo released by York police in their press release. (Credit: York Regional Police)

A 50-year-old man has been charged in connection with a string of bank robberies in Vaughan this year.

York Regional Police said they were called to a robbery in progress at a bank near Highway 7 and Weston Road on Tuesday.

Police say that a lone male suspect threatened bank staff and demanded cash.

Police say the suspect was carrying replica weapons, a fake gun and explosive device.

Officers arrived at the bank while the suspect was still inside and arrested him without incident.

The suspect is being charged in connection with other bank robberies that occurred on Feb. 5, April 21, and Sept. 22, all in the vicinity of Highway 7 and Marycroft Avenue.

Carp Zveaghintev, of no fixed address, is being charged with nine offences related to the robberies.

Police suspect there are additional victims and are encouraging them to come forward.

Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact them or Crime Stoppers anonymously.