Windsor man charged in armed theft of cell phone

A total of seven charges have been laid against a Windsor man who is accused of using a firearm to rob a man of a cellphone.

According to London police, the suspect and victim met in a north London shopping mall parking lot around 7:50 p.m. Monday in order to exchange the cellphone for cash. It's alleged the suspect pulled out a gun and told the victim to hand the phone over. After the victim complied, the other man took off in a car.

Police say the suspect vehicle was then involved in a multi-vehicle collision in the area of Highbury Avenue and Oxford Street. The man then ran from the scene. Officers searched the area with the help of the canine unit and a suspect was arrested. Police recovered a replica firearm.

Abdulwahab Taher 21, of Windsor, is charged with:

• one count of armed robbery
• two counts of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
• two counts of failing to comply with a release order
• one count of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
• one count of failure to stop at the scene of accident

"Members of the public are reminded to keep their personal safety in mind when arranging the exchange of goods over an online platform," police said in a news release issued Tuesday. "Plan to meet in well-travelled and well-lit areas and avoid secluded areas and spaces. If possible, take someone along with you or let someone know where and when you intend to meet."

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to call the London Police Service at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent in on-line anonymously to www.londoncrimestoppers.com