Police Looking for Suspect for Attempted Murder After Toronto Transit Stabbing

The suspect of a Toronto subway stabbing incident that took place near Eglinton Station on July 6, 2023 is seen in a photo released by the Toronto Police Service. (Toronto Police Service)

The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a man wanted in an attempted murder investigation after a stabbing occurred on a moving subway train in Toronto on Thursday afternoon.

Chaos erupted on the train as passengers fled from a violent altercation that involved the stabbing of one man.

A video capturing the altercation between two male passengers has been posted online. In the footage, a man appeared to abruptly throw a punch at the other party, and the two subsequently traded punches and kicks. The other party suddenly brandished a knife. Seeing this, the first man turned from the fight and rushed through the train compartments, yelling for help. The other man chased closely behind him.

Other passengers quickly retreated in the opposite direction, seeking safety, and a woman was heard saying in the video: “He’s stabbing him up,” and “He’s killing him.” Traces of blood were seen spread out across the train floor.

The assailant reportedly disembarked from the train at Eglinton Station after it came to a halt, and fled.

The incident occurred at 12:23 p.m. near Eglinton Station, according to the Toronto Police Service. Upon arriving at the scene, the police said they had located a male with wounds, and he was transferred to a hospital. The victim, in his 30s, was said to be in life-threatening condition, police said.

The suspect, who is still at large, is described as a black male, who is between 25 to 30 years old, five foot 10, shaved head, and wears a grey hooded sweater, black pants, and was carrying a green back pack, the Toronto Police said in a statement.

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) temporarily closed subway Line 1, between Lawrence Station and Davisville Station. Regular train services along Line 1 largely resumed at roughly 6:30 p.m., though trains are currently not stopping at Eglinton Station, where the police investigation remains ongoing, TTC announced on social media.

Stuart Green, spokesperson for the TTC, expressed concern over the incident, saying that acts of violence on TTC property are unacceptable, and emphasized the importance of customer and employee safety, according to CBC News.

As the investigation continues, authorities urged anyone with relevant information to call the police.