A Toronto Man Has Been Arrested After 2 'Under Housed' Victims Were Slashed In The Face
Toronto police arrested a 21-year-old man from Toronto after allegedly slashing two people in the face during two separate "unprovoked" attacks in the city's downtown core.
The police announced on Tuesday that the violent incidents, which took place on December 9 and 11, were allegedly carried out by Matthew McLellan, who was wielding an "edged weapon" at the time.
In both incidents, the suspect used the weapon to slash the victims' faces, one of whom was sleeping outside.
Toronto Police Services (TPS) confirmed with Narcity that both victims were homeless, with Constable Laura Brabant stating that they were "under housed" individuals.
However, McLellan's motive for the attacks is still unclear.
The suspect has been charged with two counts each of "aggravated assault" and "assault with a weapon." His court date remains pending.
Both victims were hospitalized and treated for their injuries. They've since been released, TPS stated in a previous press release.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477.
According to the latest Toronto police data, 13,229 assaults were reported in the city from December 31, 2021, to September 26, 2022, alongside 3,525 assaults with a weapon.
The city's total number of reported assaults has been on an upwards trend since 2014. However, the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 saw police record a significant decrease in such attacks. In 2021, cases rose from 18,309 to 19,371.
The statistics not only highlight the city's presence of violence but a worrying trend that suggests things could be getting worse.
Alberta Councillor Doubles Down On Push To 'Stop Feeding' Homeless People
Slave Lake Alberta is facing a boycott by a neighbouring First Nation following some comments that were made by a local councillor about the local homeless population.
On September 8, Councillor Joy McGregor provided an update on the Homeless Coalition in Slave Lake. The meeting was recorded on video.
She said the people experiencing homelessness in the community aren't even from there, she then named several nearby Indigenous communities.
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Councillor Joy McGregor
Around the one-hour mark of the video conference, we hear McGregor's comments.
According to CTV News, the Driftpile Cree Nation responded to the comments on Sunday, November 8 in a press release.
"I am calling on our members to move away from supporting Slave Lake’s economy, similarly, we will not be making any capital expenditures in Slave Lake until such time as we receive a public apology," said the release.
Narcity has reached out to Joy McGregor and the Driftpile Cree Nation for comment and we will update this article when we receive a response.
Following her comment in the meeting, McGregor said "I know that that sounds horrible and there will be people down my throat for it. But they have to be accountable. And we have to get them home."
She also noted that homeless individuals have been stealing and "drinking" hand sanitizer and suggested it be hidden away in store aisles like mouthwash.