A lawyer representing a 19-year-old woman recorded on video appearing to throw a chair off a condo balcony and onto a nearby highway below says her client was under “a lot of peer pressure” and “made a mistake.”
“She’s embarrassed. She regrets doing this. She’s a young lady that was put under a lot of peer pressure and made a mistake,” lawyer Greg Leslie told Global News outside the College Park courthouse Wednesday afternoon.
Toronto police said Marcella Zoia is facing multiple charges after she surrendered to police around 7 a.m. Wednesday at 52 Division. The accused was subsequently released on $2,000 bail.
Under her conditions, she must also live with her mother, who is her surety. She cannot have any contact with four individuals involved in the alleged incident and she cannot visit the condo at 55/65 Bremner Street where the event took place.
Following her court appearance, Zoia exited a Starbucks with a drink in hand, smiled and waved at the media before getting into a vehicle and driving away.
“Can’t speak about it. Sorry guys,” she said.
On Monday, a video began circulating on social media that appears to show a woman dressed in black pants, a black leather coat and black high heels tossing the chair over the balcony, which is several storeys high. The video ends before the chair lands on the ground.
Police confirmed the incident took place on Saturday at around 10 a.m. in the Harbour and York streets area.
Authorities said other objects were allegedly thrown off the balcony, including a second chair. The items ended up in front of the highrise building’s entrance.
Police said on Tuesday they had identified the woman but did not release her name as they had hoped she would turn herself in.
Investigators said the accused is facing three charges including mischief endanger life, mischief damage property under $5,000 and common nuisance.
Earlier reports suggested the woman was staying in an Airbnb rental in the building. On Tuesday, a spokesperson told Global News in a statement that they are “outraged by the blatant disregard for community safety on display in the video.”
They said they are investigating as to whether or not any Airbnb guests were involved and that they would suspend any accounts involved.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5200 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS.
VIDEO: Toronto police identify woman who allegedly threw chair over condo balcony
–With files from Jessica Patton
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