A disturbing video has surfaced online capturing the chaotic aftermath of a “serious” stabbing incident on a subway train near Eglinton Station in Toronto. The incident occurred on Thursday, prompting a swift response from the police.
Authorities received a call regarding the stabbing at the Line 1 subway station shortly after 12:20 p.m. Upon arrival at Eglinton Station, officers found a man suffering from stab wounds. He was promptly transported to a trauma center with potentially life-threatening injuries, but his condition has since stabilized.
A circulating video appears to capture a portion of the incident, showing subway riders frantically running to the far end of the train in an attempt to find safety. Amid the chaos, witnesses can be heard yelling about the ongoing stabbing and expressing their fear and inability to exit the train.
Law enforcement officials are aware of the video and intend to provide it to investigators as part of the ongoing case.
The suspect remains at large, prompting the police to release photos of the individual and seek assistance from the public in identifying and locating him. The suspect is described as a Black man, aged between 25 and 30, approximately five-foot-ten in height, with a thin build, a shaved head, and no facial hair. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a gray-hooded sweater with “GAP” on the front, black pants, and black shoes. He was also carrying a green backpack.
During a media briefing, Duty Insp. Michelle Olszevski classified the incident as “isolated” and stated that it was not a random act. The suspect had also sustained multiple stab wounds. Olszevski confirmed that witnesses had already come forward and were cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
Subway service was temporarily suspended between Lawrence and Davisville stations following the incident but resumed later in the evening around 8 p.m. Service around the nearby St. Clair station was also significantly delayed due to an unrelated fire earlier in the day.
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) released a statement emphasizing their commitment to customer and employee safety. They expressed concern over the incident and reiterated their stance that violence on TTC property is unacceptable.
This stabbing incident adds to a string of violent occurrences reported on the TTC, including four homicides that have taken place on or near TTC property within the past year.
Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw took to Twitter to express his disturbance regarding the incident and all acts of violence on transit. He assured the public that officers are actively pursuing the suspect and emphasized the importance of ensuring everyone feels safe while using public transportation.