TORONTO — Police have issued a warrant for a Toronto transit bus driver sought on child pornography charges and say the man should be considered “armed and dangerous.”
Darren Padilla, formerly known as Darren Laite, 47, of Toronto is sought on two counts of possession child pornography and access child pornography.
The Toronto Transit Commission offered few details on his employment.
“I can’t speak to where he worked or years of service. The TTC is working with police and providing assistance in any way we can,” spokesman Brad Ross told Global News.
Ross said all TTC employees are subject to a criminal background check upon hiring.
Padilla does not have a criminal record history with Toronto or York Regional Police — where police say Padilla is known to frequent — Global News has confirmed.
Police say a search warrant was issued Thursday in Toronto where it is alleged he was accessing and storing child sexual abuse images and videos on his computer.
Investigators say Padilla is known to drive a green or grey Toyota Camry with Ontario licence plate BXPP 121.
Toronto police spokeswoman Const. Jenifferjit Sidhu said Padilla “has access to firearms,” citing information obtained through the search warrant.
“Police are in fear of public safety and his safety as well.”
He is described as 5’11” tall, 190 lbs., bald, and with hazel eyes.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-8500 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).