 Toronto Police are hunting Max Edwin Tutiven, who faces a second-degree murder charge in the gas-and-dash killing of a Shell station attendant.
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TORONTO – Toronto Police are hunting Max Edwin Tutiven, who faces a second-degree murder charge in the gas-and-dash killing of a Shell station attendant.
Officers found victim Jayesh Prajapati, 44, when they responded to a call for unknown trouble at a Shell station.
Police said a motorist pumped $112.85 worth of fuel into a silver four-door utility vehicle. When he tried to leave without paying, Prajapati went after the vehicle.
The gas station attendant was struck by the vehicle and he later died in hospital.
A coroner's report said Prajapati died of multiple blunt-force injuries.
"Tutiven is wanted for second-degree murder and we believe he may have fled to Montreal," said Const. Tony Vella.
Police are looking for a silver or grey 2000 or 2003 Isuzu Rodeo that may have front-end damage and stolen plates.
Security camera video at the gas station of Tutiven shows a man with a tanned complexion, heavy build, full beard and a black jacket.
Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty weighed in on the tragic case, saying former cabinet minister and Liberal MPP Mike Colle wants to study how gas stations might be made safer places to work.
"One of the things we owe that family and that gentleman in particular is to take a long hard look and what lessons we might draw from this," McGuinty said.
In May 2011, a 62-year-old gas attendant was run over and killed at a Mississauga, Ont., service station while trying to stop a gas thief.
Anyone with information on the latest death is asked to call police at 416-808-1300, or at Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
-- With files from Jonathan Jenkins
