Toronto police are currently searching for a driver following Tuesday's hit-and-run incident at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU).
Emergency services responded to a call at 1:54 p.m. on Nelson Mandela Walk, located on TMU’s campus between Yonge Street and Gerrard Street, where four pedestrians were struck by a vehicle.
In an update shared with Narcity on Wednesday afternoon, the Toronto Police Service stated that the victims were allegedly seated on a bench when the suspect drove a vehicle onto the pedestrian walkway toward them.
The vehicle struck three individuals and caused injury to a fourth. Two victims were transported to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The remaining two individuals were assessed at the scene but declined transportation to hospital.
On Wednesday afternoon, The Toronto Police Service confirmed that the investigation is being treated as "an intentional, targeted attack towards a specific person on the walkway."
Police have identified the suspect as 23-year-old Ryan Petroff of Toronto. He is currently wanted for the following offences:
- Two counts of Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle Causing Bodily Harm
- Assault with a Weapon
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
- Two counts of Fail to Comply with Probation
- Fail to Remain at the Scene of an Accident
- Driving While Under Suspension
Suspect Ryan Petroff.Toronto Police Service
The vehicle involved is believed to be a green, four-door Honda Accord with stolen licence plates (DEDZ 565). Investigators believe the windshield may have been damaged in the collision.
Police have also released images of both the suspect and the vehicle in connection with the case.
Authorities have advised the public not to approach the individual if spotted, as he is considered dangerous. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact police immediately.
A motive for the incident has not been confirmed, although police have said that the driver and one targeted individual are "known to each other." The TPS have not been able to comment on the nature of their relationship at this stage.
The four-door Honda Accord.Toronto Police Service
Shortly after 2 p.m. on Tuesday, TMU sent out an alert urging students and staff to evacuate and avoid the area. There was no impact on classes, labs, or exams, and all employees otherwise continued their work as normal.
The university confirmed later that evening, in an updated statement, that no TMU students or staff were directly involved in the incident.
Nelson Mandela Walkway is usually a quiet, pedestrian-only walkway, and the incident has shocked students, staff, and the local community.
Councillor Chris Moise visited the campus on Tuesday afternoon to assess the situation. He told CBC News that the incident immediately brought back memories of the 2018 van attack in North York, a tragedy he personally witnessed.
"I know how traumatic that was," Moise said. "This is why it was so important for me to come here and show my support to the student population and to the staff."
In a statement to Narcity, Toronto Police said that the investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact police immediately.
This is a developing story. Check back for more details.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.