A man accused of stabbing four people in a "random attack" outside Maple Leaf Gardens Sunday is facing 20 charges, including four counts of attempted murder.
Police say the stabbing spree began shortly after a man was spotted with a knife in Carlton and Church Streets area at approximately 8:30 a.m. Sunday.
Police say the suspect first confronted an 18-year-old man and stabbed him in his stomach. He then started walking southbound on Church Street and started to yell at a 45-year-old man who was jogging. The suspect allegedly stabbed the jogger in the kidney area. A 19-year-old woman was then stabbed in her ribs.
The suspect then attempted to stab two more people, who escaped. Police say the man stabbed a 28-year-old woman in her chest, before police arrived to the scene and apprehended the man.
Three patients were transported to St. Michael's Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A fourth victim didn’t require medical attention.
The motive was not immediately clear, but police said they will likely be looking into the suspect’s mental health history.
"All we know is that, earlier this morning, some male went on a bit of rampage and started attacking people at random," Det. Phil Hibbeln told reporters on Sunday morning.
Shawn O’Neill, 62, has been charged with four counts each of aggravated assault and attempted murder, and six counts each of weapons dangerous and assault with a weapon.
Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed a man walking in the Church Street and Carlton Street area with a knife to call them at 416-808-5100. Or they can leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 416-222-8477 or online at www.222tips.com.
