Pizza Delivery Driver Grabs Onto Machete-Wielding Bandit And Stares Down Three Armed Men

Pizza Delivery Driver Grabs Onto Machete-Wielding Bandit And Stares Down Three Armed Men
Friday March 14, 2008
CityNews.ca Staff
It's the one thing police say you should never do, and for the second time in just over a week, someone did it. A pizza delivery man is being hailed a hero after staring down four armed robbers - including one brandishing a machete.
He not only foiled the crime while it was in progress, he faced down three accomplices and held one of the suspects for police.
This amazing story took place Monday night, when a man carrying a machete walked into the Pizza Pizza on Harwood Ave. South in Pickering. It was just past 11pm, when the bandit entered, drew the blade, and demanded cash from the terrified clerk.
The employees of the store refused to comply with his demands and as he turned to leave the restaurant empty handed, he suddenly found he was unable to move. When he turned around, he quickly discovered the reason - the pizza delivery driver had grabbed onto him and refused to let go.
The tension escalated when three other men suddenly appeared, one armed with a handgun. They assaulted him and threatened to shoot him on the spot unless he released their comrade. But the driver stubbornly refused and held on for dear life, even as the would-be robber squirmed and tried to get out of his clutches.
Realizing they'd lost control of the situation and police were on their way, the trio turned around and fled out the door, leaving one of their own behind, as the pizza employee enveloped him in a crushing grasp.
Cops finally arrived, recovering the machete, a mask - and the suspect, who was taken into custody.
Despite being assaulted by three men and staring down a gun, the driver wasn't hurt.
A 16-year-old young offender is charged with robbery, disguise with intent and weapons dangerous. He was held for a bail hearing.
Cops are now hoping someone out there knows his alleged associates and can put the finishing chapter on this bizarre crime spree drama. They're described as only as three males in their early 20s. Two were white, one was black. Call (905) 579-1520 ext. 5361 if you know who they are.
It's the second time this month ordinary citizens have come to the rescue. Last week, a convenience store clerk was being held up by a knife wielding assailant, when two customers spotted what was going on and rushed into disarm the man. A 43-year-old is facing charges in that case.
While police applaud the bravery of all those involved, they insist it's a bad policy that could just as easily have left innocent people injured. Their advice if you see a robbery in progress: call 911 and give cops as much information as possible. And if you're the victim, turn over what the bandit wants. The money or the merchandise can be replaced.
You can't.

New unit to combat gang violence [ Durham Region]

DURHAM -- A newly-formed unit aims to stop gang violence in Durham before it starts by enlisting community members to assist police officers.

Inspector Bruce Townley, leader of the Durham Region Anti Violence Strategy (DRAVIS), said it's commonly assumed that gang influence is spreading from Toronto to Durham. That's why it is essential the Durham police service work with the community to counter the spread of crime, he said.

"Sooner or later we're going to see more of a problem," Insp. Townley said. "These people are migrating into our area.

"Gangsters, like other criminals, will go where there's less resistance."

Durham cops are reluctant to cite numbers in discussing gang infiltration. But a report to regional council in the fall of 2006 identified 32 gangs of varying size and influence across the region, with those based in Pickering and Ajax most closely associated with the notorious criminal organizations based in Toronto.

The Criminal Code defines a gang as an association of three or more individuals engaged in criminal enterprise; that definition could encompass anything from the Hells Angels to the Crips to a bunch of neighbourhood kids.

It is the goal of DRAVIS to both combat existing criminal groups and prevent them from strengthening footholds here in Durham and recruiting new young members, Insp. Townley said.

To do that, the new unit is focusing on two methods of operation, the first being a guns and gangs rapid response team that will investigate gang-related crimes.

In addition, Durham police are trying to engage the community in the fight. Officers with the unit will literally be knocking on doors in neighbourhoods, introducing themselves and their mission and seeking assistance and information from residents.

Intelligence that's already been gathered will help cops concentrate on areas most at risk of gang activity, Insp. Townley said. The goal, he said, is to target gang members and activity and clamp down before violence erupts.

"A five-minute door knock could save weeks of work down the road," he said.

Another member of the team, Staff Sergeant Joe Maiorano, said engaging the public will be essential to the success of the program, which ultimately will be measured in lower crime rates as opposed to arrests.

"Community involvement is critical," he said.

"At the end of the day it's about having an impact on the community -- building trust, building relationships."

The 32-member team is funded by more than $500,000 in provincial money dedicated to countering gang violence.

Members of the public can provide information to the DRAVIS program by calling 905-721-4262 or e-mailing dravis@drps.ca.