A 35-year-old man faces a number of charges – including attempted murder – following what police called an unprovoked attack involving a machete in downtown Toronto Wednesday afternoon.
It happened on the corner of Bay and Dundas streets at around 4:30 p.m.
According to police, the victim – a 30-year-old man – sustained head and leg injuries in the attack.
“The suspect attempted to strike the victim, and did indeed strike him several times with a machete,” Toronto police Sgt. Dale Corra said.
The victim's injuries were described by police as serious, but non-life threatening.
A machete and a large hunting knife were recovered at the scene, Corra said.
A video sent to CP24 following the incident shows a man being tackled by security guards just outside 595 Bay St.
The video appears to show the man holding a machete in his right hand, and a smaller bladed weapon in his left hand.
Corra said officers arrived at the scene shortly after the suspect was subdued.
“(He) was taken into custody without incident,” Corra said.
Corra said the arrest represented ‘excellent teamwork’ between police, the business community, and the citizens of Toronto.
“There was a perilous situation here where citizens remained – very smartly and vigilantly – on the outside of the perimeter, and then approached the officers afterwards when things were safe to add in what they saw,” Corra said.
Mike Soberal, who is in charge of security at the Atrium, said he was pleased with the way his security team handled the situation.
“We’re very happy with the way they reacted,” he said.
Soberal described the response as ‘textbook.’
“It was executed perfectly.”
Arlington Thompson, of Toronto, has been charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, and possession of a weapon in connection with the incident.
He is scheduled to appear in court for a bail hearing Thursday morning.
Officers continue to investigate.
