Police seek help with shooting from 2003

Toronto police are asking the public to help solve a 14-year-old shooting that left a cab driver dead while he was trying to stop a convenience store robbery in Malvern.

On April 21, 2003, a robbery took place at Daisy Mart Variety Store on 1174 Morningside Ave., near Sheppard Ave. E., at around 10:35 p.m.

The suspect was pointing a silver handgun at the lone female clerk, demanding cash, when 53-year-old Mohamad Nakib-Arbaji stepped in. While trying to stop the suspect, Nakib-Arbaji was shot and killed, police said. The suspect then tried to open the cash register. After an unsuccessful attempt, he fled the scene.

Police released a video Monday appealing to the public to help find the suspect. “This man was killed while attempting to stop a violent armed robbery,” Det. Stacy Gallant said. “Stand up for him. Stand up for his family and the public. Identify his killer.”

Nakib-Arbaji, who was born in Lebanon, was a self-employed taxi driver for more than 20 years and had five children, Gallant said.

Police describe the suspect as a 5-foot-5 black man with a medium complexion and a very thin face and build. He was believed to be between 18 and 20 years old at the time. He was carrying a bag with short handles and was last seen running west on Sheppard, towards Malvern Woods park.

Police are asking anyone with information to call 416-808-7400 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416222-TIPS (8477).