In a tragic incident, an elderly man has been arrested for murder after allegedly intentionally driving into three individuals in North York, according to Toronto police. The incident resulted in the death of a woman in her 60s, while an adult man and an elderly woman sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Det.-Sgt. Brandon Price, spokesperson for the Toronto Police Service, revealed that the driver’s actions were deliberate, describing the collision as a “violent vehicle-related incident.” Price stated that there will be additional charges once further information is collected.
While there is a familial connection between the accused and the victims, specific details were not provided by Price during his late Wednesday briefing. Initially, it was reported that four individuals were struck, but the final count clarified that there were three victims in total.
The incident occurred around 12:40 p.m. in a parking lot situated off of 250 Cassandra Blvd., west of Victoria Park Avenue and south of Parkwoods Village Drive.
Despite life-saving efforts, the adult woman succumbed to her injuries and passed away in the hospital. Meanwhile, the other two victims are expected to recover from their injuries, though they are described as serious.
Det.-Sgt. Price assured the public that there is no ongoing risk to public safety in relation to this incident.
Insp. Keri Fernandes, speaking earlier on Wednesday, confirmed that the driver remained at the scene following the incident.
Aerial images of the scene depict a police cordon within a parking loop located within an apartment complex.
Investigators are actively seeking witnesses who may have observed the collision scene.
Resident Rudy Wachtel, who has lived in the building for the past 11 years, recounted hearing screams and rushing outside when he became aware of the incident. He arrived at the scene before the arrival of police and ambulance services and described the chaotic situation.
Wachtel reported that he did not witness the collision itself but heard cries for help. He observed the injured individuals on the ground, with one lady motionless and another in a corner. The lady at the center of the incident was severely injured and covered in blood.
When the first officer arrived at the scene, a bystander pointed out the driver, leading to the immediate arrest and handcuffing of the driver by the officer.
Wachtel emphasized that the apartment building is typically very quiet and secure, and such incidents were rare.
