Man charged in alleged hit-and-run in downtown Toronto

Toronto police have charged a 26-year-old man after an alleged hit-and-run occurred in downtown Toronto early Sunday.

Officers responded to a call at around 1:50 a.m. at Spadina Avenue and College Street for a pedestrian struck at a TTC streetcar stop nearby.

A 21-year-old man, who was waiting at the streetcar stop median, was struck and suffered life-threatening injuries. He was taken to hospital by paramedics for treatment.

After further investigation, officers said that the suspect was driving westbound on College Street and passed three cars stopped in a lane of traffic. The vehicle then went off the road, striking the TTC glass shelter and the victim.

Investigators said the driver then fled the scene. A side view mirror was found on the ground, which investigators were able to use to determine the possible vehicle models.

The suspect’s vehicle was located by police on Monday at Ulster Street, not far from the crash area.

Police arrested Toronto resident Julian Clarke. He was charged with dangerous driving causing bodily harm and leaving the scene of an accident that caused bodily harm.

Friends and family have confirmed to Global News that University of Toronto student Essam Babu was the victim harmed in the collision.

Babu’s friends and older brother describe him as a smart and caring person who loves and supports his friends.

“He likes to keep in touch with them and support them whenever he needs them,” Nabil Babu, Essam’s older brother, said.

“So it’s been really nice to see all his friends come together and support him in his time of need.”

Nabil said he got the call early Sunday morning from his parents and immediately went straight to the hospital. He said he hasn’t had much time to process what happened, but just focused on supporting his parents and being there for his brother during this time.

“I do think it’s shameful to have hit someone and to leave the scene,” he said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I do think it's shameful to have hit someone and to leave the scene," he said.

“It’s something no one should ever do and I also understand people make mistakes.”

Babu’s friends said they’re in shock when they found out about the incident.

“I honestly thought I was getting pranked. I couldn’t even imagine that was a possibility,” Thomas Young-Audet, Essam’s roommate and friend, said, adding he hopes to see justice do it’s work for Essam and that it was an unlucky accident

“It feels like a wrong time, wrong place kind of moment.”

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—With files from Erica Vella