Six charged in Riverside retail robbery, coins stolen
Police seized counterfeit firearm, items of evidentiary value after search warrant execution.
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Six suspects have been arrested in connection with a March robbery at a retail store near Queen Street East and Empire Avenue in Riverside, where thieves pretending to be buyers forced their way in and stole gold and silver coins.
Toronto police were called around 11:25 a.m. on March 23. Investigators say the victim granted the suspects entry, believing they were customers. Once inside, four male suspects physically restrained the victim while others stole the coins. They fled in a vehicle.
The Hold-Up Squad's investigation led to a search warrant executed May 14, when officers seized a replica firearm and items of evidentiary value. All six suspects were arrested as a result.
Florian Caldarar, 47, of Pickering, was charged with robbery, forcible confinement, conspiracy to commit indictable offence, and failure to comply with probation. Anton Clopotar, 39, of Mississauga, and Nistar Lazar, 35, of Pickering, faced similar charges. Mon Lucian Banghios, 34, of Pickering, was also charged with robbery and related offences. Horia Nistor Haret, 23, and Tuesan Nistor Solomon, 49, both of Pickering, were charged with conspiracy and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000. All were scheduled to appear in court Thursday.