Toronto police arrest suspect after stabbing on streetcar, TTC continues to work to ensure customer safety

According to Toronto police, a man was stabbed by an unknown assailant on a TTC streetcar on Tuesday.

The victim and the suspect allegedly argued on the streetcar before a physical altercation ensued, according to a Toronto Police Services news release.

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

Police have arrested 55-year-old James Brooks on suspicion of aggravated assault, dangerous use of a weapon and carrying a concealed weapon.

Although it was a serious attack, TTC spokesman Stuart Green told Now Toronto that overall public violence has declined over the past year: by 40 per cent in crimes against employees and by 22 per cent in crimes against customers.

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However, the TTC expects an increase in the number of people using public transit due to the upcoming winter months and the limited availability of shelters and emergency housing in the city.

“There is still a lot of work to be done and we are committed to monitoring trends and incidents to make 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 abuse, the use of the TTC as an emergency shelter, especially at night, as well as station and streetcar cleanliness, security and random acts of violence.