Toronto: Robbery victims beaten with meat tenderizer

Date: Nov 17, 2008 11:51 AM

PUBLICATION: National Post

DATE: 2008.11.17

EDITION: National

SECTION: News

PAGE: A3

BYLINE: Natalie Alcoba

SOURCE: National Post

WORD COUNT: 219

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Six Toronto teens charged after robbery victims beaten with meat tenderizer

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Police say a meat tenderizer was the weapon of choice for a group of teenagers who

allegedly attacked and robbed at least five men in downtown Toronto this weekend.

Investigators say the steel tenderizer, which resembles a hammer, was used to beat

the victims, who range in age from 18 to 48, late Friday and early Saturday. They

were also punched and kicked. One man required 30 stitches and 10 staples in his

scalp, and also had his ear stitched up. Two other men were admitted to hospital

with serious facial and head injuries that required 10 to 15 stitches and seven

to 10 staples. “They were random, just people going about their business who

were attacked,” said Toronto police Detective Chris Chilvers. “It’s

very troublesome.” Nine youths, aged 15 to 17, were arrested. Six have been

charged with a total of 52 offences tied to three of the robberies. Police said

the culprits were after cash. They allegedly stole a cellphone and an iPod. Police

were in court yesterday trying to block the release of the youths, “because

of the severity of the violence.”