Aurora restaurant owner Sam Saberi said he is still extending his offer of help to the man accused of breaking into his business, after an arrest has been made in connection with the incident.
Jonathan Allan, a 44-year-old Newmarket man, was charged with 25 counts of committing break and enter, as well as the same number of counts of disguise with intent and possession of break-in instruments. He was also charged with breach of probation, dangerous operation, flight from police, obstructing police, and using an unauthorized plate.
He was arrested and charged in relation to break-ins dating back as far as June 3.
York Regional Police Const. James Dickson confirmed in an email that Allan was charged in connection with a break-and-enter in the area of Bathurst Street and McClellan Way, believed to have occurred on Sept. 28, around 11:58 p.m.
Despite this, Saberi who owns Tina’s Grill on McClellan Way where a break-in happened at around midnight on Sept. 28, said he’s still happy "the offer is still there" for "whoever needs food."
“People are hungry out there, life is hard. I get it,” he added. “I’ve been to the point where I’ve been hungry before and I’d go a day without eating, and it’s the worst feeling in the world when you’re hungry, it sucks.”
The September incident was the first time Saberi has faced a break-in the five years he’s been running the restaurant.
Saberi said previously that while it appears nothing was taken during the incident, the restaurant lost a decent amount of business while police were investigating the incident, with the restaurant only able to open at about 4 p.m. on Sunday.
In addition, Saberi had to pay $800 for a same-day emergency appointment to have the glass door fixed.
Since the incident, Saberi has also upgraded his security system, and is contemplating buying security bars for his windows.
“There’s people out there who are willing to help, like myself. Just come talk to me,” he added.
Dickson added that Allan was remanded at the time of his arrest and is still in custody. He is also wanted by the OPP and Durham Regional Police Service.
