A suspect already in custody for the brutal July 11 attack on an Orangeville woman has been charged in a separate incident, which occurred in Toronto's west end in May.

Robert Francis Richards, 42, was arrested November 17 at the Maplehurst Correctional Complex in Milton and charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, choking and forcible confinement.

According to a release from the Toronto Police holdup squad, a male suspect entered a Toronto flower shop on the morning of May 28.

The suspect approached the victim and grabbed her in a headlock, making a demand for cash. The victim complied.

Police said the suspect then wrapped computer cables around the victim's neck in an attempt to strangle her.

A struggle ensued and the suspect stabbed the victim in the face with a knife.

The victim was able to break free and made good her escape.

The victim sustained minor injuries and was transported by an emergency medical team to hospital, where she was treated and released.

The same suspect was arrested in Brampton July 13, two days after Lenore Wirtz of Orangeville was attacked at her place of employment, Creek Side Clothing Company, on July 11.

Her assailant repeatedly stabbed her, puncturing her lungs and liver and nearly severing her left hand.

The suspect was charged with attempted murder and later with other charges, including choking, assault with a weapon, aggravated and sexual assault, forcible confinement and theft over $5,000.

Detectives investigating the Toronto attack, along with Orangeville police and OPP, noted the similarities between it and the horrifying Creek Side incident.

"Both cases involved women working alone in a store," said Orangeville Police Chief Joe Tomei. "The attacks were cowardly and unprovoked in both incidents."

Further investigation led to the arrest of the accused at Maplehurst by Holdup Squad Detective Nunzio Tranontozzi. Describing Robert Richards as "a violent man who didn't seem to have a care for anything or anybody," Det. Tranontozzi said the accused was "flippant and smirking" at the time of his arrest.

The investigation continues, with Chief Tomei saying "no stone will be left unturned" as police probe unsolved cases with similar chains of events.