Toronto police arrest suspect in streetcar stabbing, TTC remains committed to customer safety – NOW Toronto

A man was stabbed by an unknown suspect on a TTC streetcar on Tuesday, according to Toronto police. 

The victim and suspect were allegedly arguing on the streetcar before a physical altercation occurred, according to a news release from Toronto Police Services. 

The suspect then stabbed the victim and fled westbound on Dundas Street West. The victim sustained serious injuries, police said. 

Police have arrested 55-year-old James Brooks who has been charged with Aggravated Assault, Weapons Dangerous, and Carry Concealed weapon. 

Although this was a serious attack, TTC Spokesperson Stuart Green told Now Toronto overall public violence has declined in the past year with a 40-per cent decrease towards employees and 22 per cent decrease in offences against customers. 

READ MORE: https://nowtoronto.com/news/toronto-man-says-he-was-assaulted-in-unprovoked-attack-at-ttc-subway-station/

However, the TTC expects there will be an increase in the number of people using transit because of the upcoming winter months and limited availability of housing and shelter beds in the city.

“There is still plenty to do, and we are committed to monitoring trends and incidents with an eye to making the TTC as safe as possible for customers and employees,” Green said in an email statement. 

Green said the TTC is working in partnership with the City of Toronto to address mental health issues, substance use issues, use of the TTC as a temporary shelter, particularly at night, and cleanliness in stations and on streetcars, security, and random acts of violence.