Police Arrest 21-Year-Old Suspect in Random Downtown Toronto Homeless Attacks

Two victims had faces slashed in unprovoked attacks

The Toronto skyline in a file photo. (The Canadian Press/Tijana Martin)

After a five-day search by police, a suspect was arrested Tuesday in connection with two random unprovoked attacks on homeless people in the downtown Toronto core.

Two unrelated victims, ranging in age from their late-30s to mid-40s, were approached by a man holding what police called an “edged weapon.” They were slashed on the right side of the face. Police had warned homeless shelters about the random attacks just hours before the arrest was made.

A photograph released by police of a suspect in connection with two random, unprovoked attacks on homeless individuals in downtown Toronto on Dec. 9 and 11, 2022. (Toronto Police Handout)

The first victim, who Toronto Police Service said was homeless, was approached from behind at around 7:30 a.m. on Dec. 9 near Dundas Street East and Victoria Street, and slashed with an edged weapon. Police said the suspect fled the scene on foot.

Two days later, on Dec. 11, police were called to respond to another assault at 5:45 a.m., this time near Yonge Street and Adelaide Street. A homeless individual sleeping outside was approached, and then slashed in the face. The suspect again fled the area.

On Dec. 13, Toronto Police arrested Matthew McLellan, a 21-year-old man from Toronto, at his residence. Police said he was very compliant with officers at the time of his arrest. He has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault and two counts of assault with a weapon.

Both victims received treatment in hospital for their injuries and were released.

Police first issued a news release on Dec. 11, asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect. He was described as a male aged 20 to 30 years old, wearing a black baseball cap, black headphones, a black winter jacket, black pants and tanned construction boots.

Inspector Kathlin Seremetkovsk, with the Toronto Police Service, said members of the public and community had been “integral” in identifying and apprehending the individual quickly. She said the suspect was found as a result of tips provided by members in the community and “businesses in the area providing video surveillance” to police.

Seremetkovsk said the police have no information as to the suspect’s motive.