A Toronto man has been charged after reportedly stabbing a city staff member at an interim housing site on Tuesday evening.
Police responded to a call at 55/65 Broadway Avenue around 7 pm. It is alleged that a man approached staff at the temporary shelter, stabbed one woman, and rushed at other staff while brandishing a knife.
Security was reportedly notified, and held the man until police presence arrived. The staff member was transported to a local trauma centre with serious injuries, police say.
By 7:23 -- 11 minutes after word was initially shared about the incident by police on social media -- law enforcement reported that the suspect had been located and one individual was in custody. Darren Hynes, 55, of Toronto, was arrested. He has been charged with: Aggravated Assault; Assault with a Weapon; and Weapons Dangerous. The investigation is ongoing.
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Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5300, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, on the Facebook Leave a Tip page, or by texting TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).
"The City will be conducting a full review of the circumstances of this incident in consultation with Toronto Police Services and the City’s corporate security division to determine next steps, including security enhancements if required," reads a statement released by the municipality.
"The interim housing program houses approximately 150 clients at this site. Case management and housing search supports have been provided, resulting in some clients already moving into permanent housing. 24-hour security guards and video surveillance are on-site"
The program is designed to be temporary, the city's statement says, while units are vacant pending redevelopment next month. At this time, staff are working to find permanent or alternate temporary housing for clients by the end of August.
