Canada
This article was added by the user . TheWorldNews is not responsible for the content of the platform.

Streak of TTC violence continues with weekend attacks

TTC sign. TORONTO SUN ILLUSTRATION
TTC sign. TORONTO SUN ILLUSTRATION

It was another violent day on the TTC on Saturday with two separate attacks.

In the first incident, Toronto Police were called to a streetcar in the area of Queen St. E. and Victoria St. after a man allegedly attacked three people.

From our newsroom to your inbox at noon, the latest headlines, stories, opinion and photos from the Toronto Sun.

By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. You may unsubscribe any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of our emails or any newsletter. Postmedia Network Inc. | 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4 | 416-383-2300

After the attack, cops say the suspect exited the streetcar and walked southbound on Victoria St.

He is described as a white male, 40 years of age, and wearing a black jacket with a hoodie.

Cops says three victims suffered minor injuries.

Shortly after, there was a robbery with a knife Yorkdale subway station.

A male victim told police that he was robbed at knifepoint by two suspects but there were no injuries.

The investigations are ongoing.

RECOMMENDED VIDEO

Det.-Const. Michelle Flannery said the attacks are separate incidents and police are looking for witnesses to come forward.

Last week, four 13-year-old boys were charged after allegedly swarming and attacking two transit workers on a city bus.

Police said Thursday 80 police officers would work paid overtime shifts at TTC locations across the city to improve public safety.

The move had mixed reactions.

  1. Toronto Police Consts. Greg Henkenhaf and Dave Donaldson on patrol at Spadina TTC station on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023.

    WARMINGTON: More trouble on TTC as cops complete first day of special patrols

  2. Veronica Henri/Toronto Sun/Postmedia Network

    TIMELINE OF TTC VIOLENCE: Toronto Transit under attack

  3. A Toronto Police cruiser and officers outside of Wellesley subway station - which is considered one of the

    TTC riders, staff set on fire, stabbed and swarmed in wave of violence

The police presence was welcomed by some transit users who said the officers’ presence made them feel safer.

Others felt more police in the system doesn’t address the deteriorating social conditions that could be at the root of the situation.

Some have called the enhancement a “bandage solution” and warned more police could impact Black, Indigenous and racialized TTC riders as well as criminalize people experiencing homelessness or mental distress using transit for safety, shelter or warmth from the cold.

Mayor John Tory has announced a proposed $48.3-million increase to Toronto’s police budget, which would add about 200 officers.

“As a transit agency, we find ourselves faced with complex societal challenges that are not part of our core business,” TTC CEO Rick Leary said in statement. “They require creative, comprehensive and outside-the-box solutions.”