TORONTO – A New York City man is facing a charge of attempted murder after an allegedly unprovoked machete attack in downtown Toronto Wednesday.
Arlington Thomas, 35, of Queens, N.Y., is facing charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault, assault with a weapon and possession of a weapon.
Police responded to a call about a man armed with a knife at Bay and Dundas streets at around 5 p.m.. Security guards had restrained the suspect by the time police arrived.
Police say a man armed with a machete attacked another man “without apparent provocation.”
WATCH: Terrifying moments during Toronto machete attack caught on-camera.
A witness said he heard shouting and saw a scuffle. He then saw an armed man attack.
“The guy was holding a large machete in his right hand a smaller knife in his left and just swinging away at this helpless guy.”
“I couldn’t believe what was happening,” he said. ” I heard a woman screaming and a whole bunch of other people around just taking video and photo.’”
Witnesses say a bystander tried to intervene, and the suspect then swung a weapon at them, allowing time for the victim to run inside the Atrium on Bay shopping plaza.
Security guards tackled the suspect and held him until police arrived.
The 30-year-old victim was wounded in the legs and head and taken to hospital where he remains in stable condition.
Police say they recovered a machete and a large hunting knife. The hunting knife was not used in the attack.
Sgt. Dale Corra said the victim “was just doing his day-to-day routine and was attacked in an unprovoked fashion.”
“I’m pleased to say that the citizens of Toronto are safe and secure due to the excellent police response and seamless work with security in the area.”
With files from The Canadian Press
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