Toronto police are looking for a 23-year-old man in connection with a “targeted” hit-and-run at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) that injured four people earlier this week.
Police have identified the suspect in the April 15 incident as Ryan Petroff and urged him to come forward voluntarily.
“We believe this individual is dangerous, and we are urging the public not to approach him. If you see him, call police immediately,” Insp. Errol Watson said during an April 16 press conference. “I will say that this event, based on the information we received, was a targeted event. So I do not believe there’s any danger to the community at this time.”
Toronto Police have released an image of Ryan Petroff, 23, the suspect they are seeking in connection with the April 15 hit-and-run at Toronto Metropolitan University that injured four people. Toronto Police handout photo
The hit-and-run occurred just before 2 p.m. on Nelson Mandela Walk, a pedestrian walkway near Yonge Street and Gerrard Street East. The vehicle struck three victims who were sitting on a bench lining the path and a fourth person sustained injuries in the chaos that followed, police said in a press release.
Watson confirmed that only one of the individuals hurt was the intended target and none of the victims attended or worked at the university.
The driver fled the scene immediately after the incident in a dark green four-door Honda Accord with a smashed windshield. Watson said the vehicle, which has not been located, had stolen licence plates of DEDZ 565.
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Two people were taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries and the other two pedestrians sustained minor injuries and did not require treatment.
Witnesses on scene were able to identify the person suspected of driving the vehicle, Watson said.
He declined to comment on the motivations behind the incident or the nature of the relationship between the suspect and the intended target to “protect the identity of the victim.” He also would not elaborate on whether the suspect is known to law enforcement, but one of the charges against the suspect—two counts of failing to comply with probation—suggests a previous criminal background.
Petroff is also being charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm, assault with a weapon, possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, driving while under suspension, and failing to remain at the scene of an accident.
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Watson said the police service is also working with TMU to develop strategies “to enhance safety at that location on a regular basis.”
The university called the hit-and-run incident “troubling” in an April 16 press release.
“The university wants to ensure that the campus remains a safe, walkable place,” the university said.
“As an immediate measure to ensure pedestrian and public safety, planters have been placed at the main entrances to Nelson Mandela Walk and barriers have always been in place at Victoria and Bond Streets.”
The city-owned Nelson Mandela Walk, Gould Street, and certain portions of Victoria Street must remain accessible to emergency services, the university said. The school said it is currently in discussions with the City of Toronto to explore whether additional safety measures can be established to protect the pedestrian walkways frequented by TMU community members and the public, while also preserving access for emergency responders.
Police, meanwhile, are asking members of the public to contact police or Crime Stoppers if they have information about the incident or know the whereabouts of the suspect.
