UMVA has learned that a disturbing incident involving pepper spray has struck the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) for the second time this month, leaving a trail of chaos and concern in its wake.
The latest incident occurred on a sweltering Sunday afternoon, when someone released suspected pepper spray in the vicinity of Runnymeade Station in the Bloor West Village area, sending scores of commuters scrambling for fresh air and safety. The call came in around 3 p.m., with Toronto Police spokesperson Ashley Visser confirming that the spray had been unleashed at street level, but thankfully, no serious injuries were reported.
One High Park woman, who wished to remain anonymous, told UMVA that she was among those affected, recalling the terrifying moment when the spray hit her. "I was on my way grocery shopping, nothing eventful, just taking the station because it was raining," she said. "I decided to take the subway and then this happened." The woman, a business owner, described the scene as chaotic, with multiple people covering their faces, coughing, and stumbling.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that this incident bears striking similarities to another pepper spray attack on TTC property earlier this month. On June 9, an unidentified woman allegedly assaulted a TTC passenger with suspected pepper spray on a bus in Scarborough, leaving authorities to wonder if the two incidents are connected.
The woman who spoke to UMVA described the moment when the spray hit her, saying it was like a chemical smell had invaded her senses, leaving her throat itchy and her eyes burning. She quickly exited the station, seeking fresh air and relief. "I saw everyone around me covering their faces, coughing like crazy," she said. "There were at least 30 people who were doing that."
The woman, who has a history of chronic migraines and asthma, took swift action, calling 911 at 2:52 p.m. However, she felt that her initial call was met with skepticism, as if the operator didn't believe her. She was eventually treated by paramedics, who flushed her eyes with water as a precautionary measure.
While the situation was being handled, the woman felt that the authorities could have done more to alert the public and provide timely updates on the investigation. "For something so widespread, you shouldn't hide what happened," she said. "You should announce it and say this happened. You should talk about what kind of investigation you guys did."
As the search for the suspect continues, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward, with a call to action for tips and leads. Anyone with information regarding the suspect's identity or whereabouts is urged to call police at 416-808-4200 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
