Sex assault, attempted robbery sends police on the hunt for Ajax man
Published July 20, 2024 at 11:52 am
An Ajax man is being hunted by police after a worker at a Toronto store was sexually assaulted during an attempted robbery last Tuesday morning.
Toronto Police said in a new release on Saturday they’re seeking the public’s help in finding the man they believe to be responsible for the violent incident.
According to investigators, officers responded to a robbery call at about 10:30 a.m. at a commercial business in the area of Gerrard Street East and Broadview Avenue.
Police said a man entered the store and tried to get into the cash register, but was unsuccessful. He then “sexually assaulted an employee” before again trying to access money in the cash register.
Once again, according to police, he failed in his attempt and then fled the scene. He was last spotted running west on Gerrard Street East.
Police are searching for Garrabet Istanboulian, 43, of Ajax, in connection with the incident. He’s wanted on charges of:
- robbery/assault with intent to steal
- sexual assault
- breach of probation
Istanboulian is described as standing 5-foot-7, with a large build, long black hair and a full salt-and-pepper-coloured beard.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 416-808-5500 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477.
Garrabet Istanboulian, 43, of Ajax, is being sought by police. (Photo: Toronto Police)