A TTC spokesperson says a man seen in a YouTube video walking along the subway tracks at Union Station has been charged.
The man was featured in a YouTube video called “Pokemon GO Problems,” which poked fun at the problems players could run into walking around the city catching Pokemon with their eyes glued to their phones instead of their surroundings.
At the time, the video’s star, Mark Correia, told the Canadian Press that he waited until right after a train departed the platform at Union Station before jumping onto the tracks.
He said he was only on the tracks for a few seconds.
TTC spokesperson Brad Ross said at the time that Correia could have tripped and made contact with the electrified third wire that runs along the track.
“It could have resulted in his death and that’s not an exaggeration,” Ross said.
Ross also stressed that there are no digital monsters scampering around subway tracks in the city.
“We have to send a strong message not just to him but to anyone considering going to track level just how seriously we take this matter.”
Speaking to CP24 on Tuesday afternoon, Correia said he was told of the charge four days ago and he takes full responsibility for his actions and accepts the punishment.
“The evidence was there, we were on the tracks we did something dangerous and illegal and whatever extent they’re going to punish us we have to be prepared for it.”
He said that he was aware of the risk of electrocution and tried to take steps to mitigate the risk.
It’s an eye opener that the fine isn’t the worst thing that could have happened to me.
Ross said that if a passenger drops something onto the track by accident and feels the urge to go down and grab it, call the TTC instead and they will retrieve the item safely.
Correia has been charged with unauthorized access on subway tracks, which carries a $425 fine.
He is expected to appear in court on Sept. 16.
