A TTC streetcar going along King Street in downtown Toronto. (Photo by Niamat Ullah on Unsplash)
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Police are investigating yet another case of stabbing aboard the Toronto transit system, which came on the heels of several acts of violence involving Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) passengers or employees over the past week.
The police responded to a stabbing on a TTC bus near the Old Mill trail and Bloor Street West area at around 4 p.m. EST on Jan. 25. The Toronto Police Service (TPS) said in a statement that the suspect is around 20 years old, medium build, wearing a blue mask and black jacket with the hood up. The suspect was last seen running along Bloor Street.
The TTC issued a statement sending condolences to the victim of the incident.
“Our thoughts are with the victim in this attack. As always, we’ll give police our full support as they investigate, including video and witness statements,” the company said.
Violence Involving TTC
This incident is among several violent acts that either took place aboard a TTC vehicle or involving transit employees over the past week.
On Jan. 25, the TPS announced the arrest of a woman who allegedly stabbed a female passenger on a streetcar in the downtown area a day earlier.
In a Jan. 25 statement, the TPS said they have arrested Leah Valdez, a 43-year-old Toronto resident, who reportedly stabbed a woman aboard a southbound TTC streetcar near the Spadina Avenue and Sussex Avenue area on Jan. 24.
The police said the 23-year-old victim was transported to the hospital with “life-altering injuries.”
Valdez is charged with one count each of attempted murder, aggravated assault, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace, and possession of a prohibited or restricted weapon knowing its possession is unauthorized.
The TTC also sent condolences to the victim, saying they will work with the police in the investigation of this “awful attack.”
In some cases, TTC employees were subjected to attacks.
On the morning of Jan. 25, the TPS announced an investigation into an incident of a suspect who allegedly chased two TTC employees with a syringe near Yonge Street and Dundas Street in downtown Toronto. The workers managed to get away unharmed. Police said the suspect has been arrested.
On Jan. 23, three uniformed TTC employees were allegedly attacked by a group of youths on a bus near Kennedy Road and Merrian Road in Scarborough, northeast of Toronto. Police said in a statement that they are looking for about 15 youths involved in the case.
The Epoch Times reached out to the TPS for comment regarding these violent incidents but didn’t hear back immediately.