Three teenagers have been charged in connection with two incidents, including a reported slashing attack at Spadina station on the TTC, Toronto police say.
Police said that on Monday, they were called to a suspicious incident around Long Branch Avenue and Lake Promenade. Three teenagers were arrested, police said.
Toronto police said that an officer was investigating a boy in the stairwell of a residential building when the boy allegedly attempted to flee, reportedly alerting another boy and girl.
One of the boys allegedly swung a machete at the officer, police said. All three were arrested.
On Tuesday evening, the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) — which acts as Ontario’s police watchdog — said it was investigating the arrest. It said a 16-year-old boy had suffered “serious injuries following his arrest by Toronto Police Service officers.”
The SIU said there was a “struggle” after the boy swung a machete at the police officer. “This morning, the boy complained of pain. He was taken to hospital and diagnosed with serious injuries,” an SIU statement read.
Police said the suspects were wanted in connection with a reported stabbing at Spadina station.
Police said on Sunday, at around 6:34 p.m., officers received a report of a stabbing at the station. Officers said a woman was involved in a verbal dispute with three people who were not known to her.
According to police, a male suspect allegedly spat in the woman’s face and “repeatedly” pushed her. Police said the suspect allegedly brandished a knife and slashed the woman in the face.
The three suspects fled the scene, police said.
Officers said a 16-year-old boy has been charged with two counts of assault with a weapon, assaulting a peace officer while carrying a weapon, two counts of assault, carrying a concealed weapon and possession of a weapon.
A 15-year-old boy has been charged with two counts of assault with a weapon, assaulting a peace officer while carrying a weapon, two counts of assault, and two counts each of failing to comply with an undertaking, possession of a weapon and carrying a concealed weapon.
Police said a 15-year-old girl has been charged with assaulting a peace officer while carrying a weapon, carrying a concealed weapon and possession of a weapon. She has also been charged with two counts each of assault with a weapon and assault.
The teens cannot be named due to provisions in the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
All three were scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.
— with files from Global News’ Isaac Callan