Knife-wielding thief takes cashbox

An Oshawa man is facing several charges after police say a cashbox was stolen, and the thief swung a knife at those trying to stop him.

At approximately 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday, June 21, police responded to the area of Glen Street and Malaga Road in Oshawa for a theft that had just occurred. According to police, a 64-year-old woman let a man she had met before into her apartment. However, once inside, the suspect grabbed a cashbox and fled, leading to a female witness who was in the apartment to chase him. A neighbour who heard the noise also joined the chase, catching the suspect and holding him down outside the building. However, the suspect swung an Exacto knife at the neighbour, cutting his hand and leading to his escape.

Police later located the suspect hiding in a shed behind his residence. He was later arrested by DRPS’ Tactical Support Unit without incident. A knife was recovered at the scene.

A 47-year-old male of Malaga Road has been charged with theft under $5,000, assault with a weapon, possession of stolen property and possession of a dangerous weapon.