A request for directions took a strange turn
What started as a seemingly ordinary request for directions in a Scarborough parking lot allegedly turned into a carefully timed robbery involving two vehicles, two suspects — and one fake gold chain.
Toronto Police say the incident happened on June 26, 2026, near Ellesmere Road and Midland Avenue.
At around 11 a.m., the victim was walking through the parking lot of a commercial building when a woman inside a vehicle called out and asked for directions.
Nothing particularly unusual about that.
Then, according to police, a man drove into the same parking lot, pulled up near the victim and also began asking for directions.
That was when things became considerably stranger.
The fake necklace distraction
Police allege the woman got out of her vehicle, approached the victim and placed a fake gold chain around the victim's neck.
But while apparently putting the fake jewelry on, police say she ripped off the victim's own chain.
Both suspects then fled the area in separate vehicles.
In other words, the victim allegedly received a fake chain while losing the real one — all during an encounter that had started with a simple request for directions.
Toronto Police responded to the robbery call at approximately 11:15 a.m.
Police identify the woman
Investigators have since identified the female suspect as Andreea Ispas, 23, of Toronto.
Police say Ispas is wanted for robbery.
She is described as approximately 5'5" with a slim build and black hair. At the time of the incident, police say she was wearing a black dress with white trim along the bottom and white shoes.
Toronto Police have released an image of the suspect as well as video footage of the incident as investigators seek help from the public.
The male suspect, meanwhile, has not been identified.
Why the encounter is worth remembering
The unusual part of this case isn't simply that jewelry was allegedly stolen. It's how quickly an everyday interaction appears to have turned into a distraction.
A stranger asking for directions is something most people wouldn't immediately consider suspicious. Add another person asking essentially the same thing, followed by someone suddenly getting close enough to put jewelry around your neck, and the situation can change within seconds.
Toronto Police separately warn that asking for directions is one technique that can be used in distraction thefts, where someone's attention is diverted while valuables are taken.
So perhaps there's one simple takeaway from this bizarre case: helping someone with directions is one thing. Letting a stranger put a necklace around your neck is an entirely different level of customer service.
Anyone with information about the investigation is being asked to contact Toronto Police or Crime Stoppers.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
Source
Toronto Police Service — 41 Division Case #2026-1321129 Published September 19, 2026