A late-night altercation inside a Pickering restaurant has resulted in a Toronto man being taken into custody after police say a knife was drawn during the confrontation.
Durham Regional Police responded to reports of a fight at Moxie’s Restaurant, located on the north side of Pickering City Centre, shortly before 3 a.m. on February 28. The incident occurred after closing time, when two men became involved in a physical altercation inside the establishment.
According to investigators, the situation escalated when one of the men allegedly produced a knife during the dispute. Police say the suspect swung the knife toward the other man involved in the fight and made threats toward restaurant employees who attempted to intervene and calm the situation.
Staff members reportedly stepped in to de-escalate the altercation before officers arrived. Their quick actions helped separate the individuals and prevent the situation from worsening. By the time police reached the scene, the two men had already been pulled apart.
Officers quickly located and arrested the suspect without further incident. During a search following the arrest, police say they recovered a knife from his possession.
Despite the seriousness of the incident, no physical injuries were reported. The victim and restaurant employees were not harmed during the altercation, though police described the situation as dangerous due to the presence of a weapon inside a public establishment.
Andrew Antoine Bonito, 35, of Toronto, has been charged with:
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Assault with a weapon
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Two counts of uttering threats
He was held in custody pending a bail hearing.
Police have not released details regarding what may have led to the altercation, and investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. It remains unclear whether the two men knew each other prior to the confrontation.
Durham Regional Police are continuing their investigation and are asking anyone who may have witnessed the altercation or has additional information to come forward. Authorities are particularly interested in speaking with anyone who may have cell phone footage, dash cam video, or surveillance recordings from the area around Pickering City Centre during the early morning hours of February 28.
Incidents involving weapons in public spaces raise significant safety concerns, particularly in busy commercial areas. Police are reminding the public that disputes can escalate quickly and are urging individuals to seek help or contact authorities rather than allowing confrontations to intensify.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Constable Welsh-Battiste of West Division at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1901.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.
The investigation remains ongoing.
