Man wanted Canada-wide appears to mock Toronto police in now-viral TikTok video
Posted October 24, 2023 10:08 am.
Last Updated October 24, 2023 12:35 pm.
A man wanted on a Canada-wide arrest warrant with distinctive face tattoos has taken to social media, appearing to mock Toronto police as the search for him continues.
Last week, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said 31-year-old federal offender Michael Stamatakos is wanted for once again breaching his statutory release.
The same suspect was wanted in February for the same reason. He was taken into custody a few weeks later when he was recognized while checking himself into a hospital in Hamilton.
TikTok account “Toronto’s Joker” uploaded several since-deleted videos to ostensibly ridicule Toronto police officers. Though not confirmed to be Stamatakos, he strongly resembles the man currently wanted Canada-wide.
In one video, a local media outlet’s story on the wanted man can be seen in the background, with the person presumed to be Stamatakos donning sunglasses and a bucket hat, listening on and smiling.
In another video uploaded to TikTok, a man with distinguishable facial tattoos is seen standing in front of a Toronto police cruiser with his tongue out.
The TikTok account has since been deleted or suspended.
OPP spokesperson Bill Dickson tells CityNews that authorities can’t confirm the authenticity of the videos and whether the man seen on TikTok is, in fact, Stamatakos.
“In the meantime, if anyone has information on the whereabouts of Michael Stamatakos, they should call local law enforcement or the opp rope squad immediately at 1-866-870-7673,” Dickson said.
Stamatakos has several tattoos, including a heart and teardrop with a stitch trail on his left cheek, a stitch trail on his right cheek, “SD KEYZ” on his right calf, “THE WORLD IS MINE” on his left hand, and “SPARTON” on the right side of his neck.
Stamatakos previously served a two-year sentence for arson and property damage, dangerous conveyance operation, flight from a peace officer, uttering threats to cause death and harm, and possession of a scheduled substance.
With files from Michael Ranger and Michael Talbot of CityNews
