Police say a man in his 30s is now in stable condition, but his assailant is still at large.
Thursday afternoon in Toronto, a stabbing on a moving subway train caused pandemonium as passengers fled the violent altercation.
A male in his 30s sustained life-threatening injuries from the stabbing. He was transported to a nearby emergency room. His condition was upgraded to stable Thursday night.
The man who attempted to murder him is still at large and sought for attempted murder.
Police identify suspect in Toronto transit attack
In a press release issued late Thursday, Toronto police stated that at 12:20 p.m. they were summoned to Eglinton station near Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue West.
Two men reportedly got into an altercation on a southbound train destined for Eglinton station, according to the police.
“The suspect then stabbed the victim multiple times,” police said in a statement.
Once the train arrived at the station, the assailant escaped, according to police.
The suspect was described by police as being between 25 and 30 years old, five feet ten inches tall, thin, with a shaved cranium and no facial hair. He was carrying a green backpack and was wearing a grey hooded sweater with “GAP” on the front, black trousers, and black shoes.
Police have released photographs of the suspect.
Duty Insp. Michelle Olszevski, a spokesperson for the Toronto Police Service, told reporters outside the station that police from 53 Division and officers from forensic identification services are investigating and examining security camera footage, with the assistance of TTC security.
She stated that police are aware that a video of the incident is proliferating on social media.
Two males can be seen kicking and punching each other in this video. One male can be seen bleeding through his shirt at one point. The screaming man then flees toward one end of the train while the other man chases him.
Meanwhile, subway passengers dash to the opposite end of the train. Blood is evident on the floor of the subway car.
One rider exclaims, “He’s stabbing him up” and “He’s killing him.” Someone else states, “I can’t get off the train.”
The video concludes with a shot of the assailant strolling on the subway platform after the train has pulled into the station.
Olszevski stated that a large number of witnesses have spoken with police and that anyone with video or who witnessed the assault is urged to come forward.
She stated that police are concerned about TTC safety.
“I can assure you that the Toronto Police Service is committed to the safety of all its constituents, including TTC riders. “Although TTC security is primarily responsible for security on the transit system, we do support them and respond to all service requests and emergencies,” she said.
She added that police regularly patrol the transit system and treat the safety of riders very seriously.
The TTC circumvented Eglinton station for several hours, resuming service shortly before 8 p.m., and the stabbing halted Line 1 service between Lawrence and Davisville stations. As police conducted their investigation, subway trains were substituted with shuttle buses.
All bus service at Eglinton station was rerouted to St. Clair station, but normal service has resumed at Eglinton.
TTC deems violence on its premises as ‘unacceptable’
Stuart Green, spokesman for the TTC, stated that the transit agency learnt Thursday afternoon that a victim of a stabbing had been discovered in Eglinton station.
“Our thoughts are with the victim during this uncertain time,” Green stated.
“Safety of our clients and employees is our top priority in everything we do. While we have no additional information, violence on TTC property is abhorrent and extremely concerning.”
Green stated that the TTC assisted the police in their investigation of the incident.
New data indicates a decline in TTC-related violence, but some claim that’move along’ policies harm homeless individuals.
In February, fewer crimes were committed against TTC consumers, according to a report.
Because safety is a priority, he added, the TTC has invested in additional safety and security measures and formed partnerships with city, police, community outreach, and crisis response officials.
‘It was just very perplexing,’ says the rider of the aftermath
Saya Sedighi, a graduate student in the department of molecular genetics at the University of Toronto, said she entered the Eglinton station at 12:20 p.m. and moved downstairs to board a southbound train to go downtown.
“Once the door opened, many people rushed out,” she explained.
“People were shouting from the outside, ‘Don’t get in, someone’s got something,’ but we didn’t really hear them because it’s so difficult to hear what’s being said over the TTC’s loudspeakers,” she added.
“Then we all hurriedly left, believing that everything was resolved. We were just waiting for the train to begin moving before rushing in and then rushing out. It was simply very perplexing because we were uncertain of what was occurring.
Then, she said, transit passengers reported that someone had been stabbed.
Prior to the arrival of the police and paramedics, according to Sedighi, transit passengers were unaware of the situation. Transit passengers were informed by the police that the station needed to be evacuated. She added that there were no tweets from police or TTC for at least 15 minutes.
“There were no clear instructions on how, when, or which shuttle buses to take, nor on what is happening,” she explained.
A passenger describes violent incidents on the TTC as “very frightening.”
Sedighi stated that she uses the TTC twice daily and that violent incidents are “very frightening.”
“I honestly feel that TTC is not as accessible as people believe it to be,” she stated.
As the number of violent incidents on the TTC rises, both unease and demands for additional assistance increase.
In response to transit violence, the TTC expands its outreach efforts, and an expert advocates for a guaranteed income.
“Either you live another day, or you get stabbed on the TTC, or you get a vehicle, and it’s not that simple. It gives me the impression that TTC is no longer secure and that nothing is being done about it.”
Anyone who witnessed the assault or has information pertinent to the investigation is urged to contact law enforcement.
