Man allegedly assaults TTC streetcar riders in downtown Toronto
A man allegedly assaulted TTC streetcar riders in downtown Toronto on Saturday, according to Toronto police.
Officers said the assault took place in the Queen and Victoria streets area.
The man was seen exiting the streetcar and walking southbound on Victoria Street.
Police say three victims have been identified, but officers could not provide an update on injuries.
The suspect is described as a white 35-year-old man with a slim build wearing a black baseball cap, which may be covering a bald head. He was seen sporting black pants and a long black jacket. He was wearing glasses and a backpack, police say.
This news follows a violent streak on public transit in Toronto. Just yesterday, a man was assaulted by a group of youths on board a TTC bus. A day prior, a woman was charged with attempted murder after she allegedly stabbed a stranger multiple times on a TTC streetcar, leaving them with what police are calling life-altering injuries.
Despite these recent events, Toronto Mayor John Tory insists the TTC is safe.
“We do have to remind ourselves that the TTC transports millions of people every day, every single day of the week. And they do it safely,” Tory said while at an event on Saturday afternoon.
The mayor said these recent spurts of violence are not exclusive to Toronto, but rather, span across North American cities.
“I think it could be some of the after effects of the pandemic, it could be other things that have to do with some of the real issues we face with mental health, “Tory said.
“It's part of a certain, I think very anxious period, we're going through on the part of a lot of people. Perhaps it's the economic conditions, perhaps the aftermath of the pandemic. People are anxious and they're acting out in ways that are clearly not acceptable.”
In an effort to increase safety on public transit in Toronto, the TTC is adding 80 new staff members across the system.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Solar storm puts on brilliant light show across the globe, but no serious problems reported
A powerful solar storm put on an amazing skyward light show across the globe overnight but has caused what appeared to be only minor disruptions to the electric power grid, communications and satellite positioning systems.
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Potentially toxic chemicals hide in our drinking water and countless household objects, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Montreal man facing charges following contraband drone drop at Millhaven: OPP
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) says a 40-year-old man from Montreal is facing charges following a suspected drone drop of unauthorized items at the Millhaven Institution.
Nigeria's fashion and dancing styles in the spotlight as Harry, Meghan visit its largest city
Nigeria's fashion and traditional dances were at full display on Sunday as Prince Harry and Meghan arrived in its largest city, Lagos, as part of their three-day visit to the country to promote mental health for soldiers and empower young people.
'It was violent': Police tear down U of A pro-Palestinian encampment Saturday morning
Multiple people at the protest camp torn down at the University of Alberta campus Saturday say police's actions against protesters were "violent" and "disproportionate."
Canada Post cracks down on Nunavut loophole to get free Amazon Prime shipping
Amazon's paid subscription service provides free delivery for online shopping across Canada except for remote locations, the company said in an email. While customers in Iqaluit qualify for the offer, all other communities in Nunavut are excluded.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Cyclist issued fine for striking four-year-old girl crossing the street
A cyclist turned herself in and received a fine after striking a four-year-old girl who was crossing the street to catch a school bus.