Ken lam toronto police

Toronto police praised for response to van attack

Toronto police are being widely praised for their measured response to the tragedy near Yonge and Finch earlier today.

After a man driving a white van struck and killed pedestrians near Mel Lastman Square, killing 10 and injuring 15, the driver emerged from the damaged van and seemed to taunt police prior to his arrest.

Video footage of the incident has widely circulated on social media.

In the video, the man appears to wave something at the lone responding officer and suggests he has a gun in his pocket. He dares officer Ken Lam to shoot him and makes threatening gestures before the officer approaches and arrests him.

Many have pointed out that the situation could have been a lot worse and are thankful that Lam was able to arrest the suspect without incident.

Recent confrontations with police and suspects south of the border have not had the same outcome.

Toronto Police say the investigation into the incident is ongoing and will take several days before the area near Yonge and Finch is re-opened.

Earlier tonight they identified the suspect as 25-year old Alek Minassian from Richmond Hill. There is no word yet on a possible motive.

Lead photo by

aperturesplit


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

Canada is seeing one of the worst standard-of-living declines in 40 years

Tributes pour in after death of Toronto City Councillor Jaye Robinson

It's going to get way easier to pay transit fare in Toronto with your phone

TTC literally just gave CEO Rick Leary an award days after chaotic subway shutdown

An aggressively spreading invasive species is completely taking over a Toronto park

50 tourist attractions in downtown Toronto you need to visit at least once

Stunning new lookout point overlooking Toronto wetland opens this summer

Stunning new Toronto transit station will link several TTC and GO lines