Suspect arrested in gas station robberies in York Region being investigated for other incidents across the GTA: police

Police are investigating two gas station robberies in Vaughan and Markham. A gas station targeted for robbery is pictured above at Major Mackenzie Drive and McCowan Road. (Jacob Estrin/ CP24)

York Regional Police say a 35-year-old man arrested in connection with a gas station robbery in Markham earlier this week is believed to be responsible for six other robberies in York Region and more than a dozen in other parts of the Greater Toronto Area.

In a news release issued Wednesday, police said officers responded to a robbery at a gas station in the area of Bur Oak Avenue and McCowan Road on March 30.

“When they arrived at the scene, officers learned a male suspect entered the gas station, made threats and demands for cash before fleeing the scene with a quantity of currency,” police said, noting that no injuries were reported.

The following day, a suspect was arrested in connection with the incident.

Police said the suspect was subsequently charged with six other robberies that occurred in York Region between March 24 and March 30.

He is being investigated for “at least” 19 other robberies across the GTA, they noted.

Andre Lawrence, of Brampton, is facing several charges, including robbery, disguise with intent, and stunt driving, police said.