Toronto police are currently searching for a driver following Tuesday’s hit-and-run incident at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU).
Emergency services were called to Nelson Mandela Walk at TMU’s campus between Yonge St. and Gerrard St., where four pedestrians were struck by a vehicle at 1:54 p.m.
Two people were transferred to the hospital, one person with serious, non-life-threatening injuries and the other with minor injuries. According to CityNews, the other two people were assessed but refused transport to the hospital.
There was no further update on the extent of the victim’s injuries as of Wednesday morning.
In an update to reporters on the scene at around 5:20 p.m., Duty Inspector Todd Jocko said the driver may have acted intentionally.
“It may have been an intentional targeting of a specific individual on the walkway,” Jocko said. “We are still working to confirm all of those details.” Police have not yet shared any possible motive for the incident.
As of Wednesday morning, Toronto police believe it was an isolated incident.
The driver of the vehicle fled the scene and was last seen driving east on Gould Street towards Church Street in a dark green sedan with a damaged windshield. The car’s license plate is DEDZ 565. The police are unsure at this stage whether the vehicle belongs to the suspect or whether it has been stolen.
Police have not yet revealed a motive for the incident, but Jocko told reporters at the scene on Tuesday that the driver and one targeted individual are “known to each other.” However, he was not able to comment on the nature of their relationship.
Shortly after 2 p.m., TMU sent out an alert urging students and staff to evacuate and avoid the area. There was no impact on classes, labs, or exams, and all employees otherwise continued their work as normal.
The university confirmed later that evening, in an updated statement, that no TMU students or staff were directly involved in the incident.
“Toronto Police Service have indicated they are looking for a green sedan with a cracked windshield and licence plate DEDZ 565,” TMU wrote. “We encourage any community members with details about the incident to contact Toronto Police Service at 416-808-5100.”
Nelson Mandela Walkway is usually a quiet, pedestrian-only walkway, and the incident has shocked students, staff, and the local community.
Councillor Chris Moise visited the campus on Tuesday afternoon to assess the situation. He told CBC News that the incident immediately brought back memories of the 2018 van attack in North York, a tragedy he personally witnessed.
“I know how traumatic that was,” Moise said. “This is why it was so important for me to come here and show my support to the student population and to the staff.”
In a statement to Narcity on Wednesday morning, Toronto police said that the investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact police immediately.
This is a developing story. Check back for more details.
This article’s cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.