A video of a forceful arrest on a TTC subway train in Toronto has gone viral on social media, sparking questions about the necessity of such a violent response. The video shows multiple police officers dragging a man from his seat to the ground, with one officer seen kicking the suspect multiple times. Lorraine Lam, an outreach and community crisis worker, described the incident as a “gang assault” and criticized the officers’ actions. Toronto police have confirmed that the Professional Standards Unit is investigating the incident, which occurred after the man allegedly assaulted a woman on the train and stole her phone. The man has been charged with robbery and failure to comply with probation.
Lam raised concerns about the lack of justification for the police’s response and questioned whether the officers attempted to peacefully resolve the situation before resorting to violence. She also expressed worry about the well-being of the man who was arrested, particularly regarding any injuries sustained during the arrest. Lam emphasized the importance of ensuring that the arrested individual receives legal representation and advocacy for their rights, especially if they were harmed during the arrest. She criticized the use of force by multiple officers, particularly the act of kicking the suspect while he was already subdued on the ground.
Toronto police responded to the incident by stating that they were called to the Eglinton West subway station for an “unknown trouble” involving the alleged assault and phone theft. While the victim of the assault did not sustain any injuries, the man accused of the crime now faces charges related to the incident. The lack of information about whether the stolen phone was recovered or whether the suspect was given the opportunity to peacefully surrender the stolen item raised further questions about the handling of the situation by the police. The incident has sparked a debate about the appropriate level of force to be used in situations involving non-compliance or criminal activity.
Global News reached out to the TTC for comment on the incident but has not received a response at the time of reporting. The video of the arrest has garnered significant attention on social media, with many individuals expressing outrage over the perceived excessive use of force by the police officers involved. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing debate surrounding police conduct and the need for accountability and transparency in law enforcement practices. As the investigation into the incident continues, the public is calling for a thorough review of the actions taken by the officers and the circumstances surrounding the arrest on the TTC subway train in Toronto.
