Woman Charged in Suspected Hate-Motivated TTC Subway Assault
Toronto police have charged an 18-year-old woman in connection with a suspected hate-motivated assault on a TTC subway train last month. The incident occurred around 1:16 a.m. at Bloor-Yonge station.
Investigators reported that the accused was riding a subway car when she approached the victim, used homophobic slurs, and sprayed a noxious substance. The victim sustained minor injuries before the accused fled the scene.
Police stated that "the victim and the accused are not known to each other."
Following the investigation, Valentina Ponte Diaz, 18, of Toronto, was arrested on Wednesday. She faces charges of assault with a weapon, weapons dangerous, and administering a noxious thing with intent.
The suspect is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday. Authorities have confirmed the case is being treated as a suspected hate-motivated offence.
Summary
This case highlights law enforcement's swift response to hate-motivated violence on public transit, emphasizing accountability for discriminatory attacks.