Woman Charged in Suspected Hate-Motivated TTC Subway Assault
Toronto police have charged an 18-year-old woman in connection with a suspected hate-related assault that occurred on a TTC subway train last month. The incident took place around 1:16 a.m. at Bloor-Yonge station.
According to investigators, the suspect allegedly approached a passenger, directed homophobic slurs at them, and sprayed the victim with a noxious substance. The victim sustained minor injuries, and the suspect fled the scene. Police confirmed that the two individuals did not know each other.
Following the investigation, officers arrested Valentina Ponte Diaz, 18, from Toronto, on Wednesday. She faces charges of assault with a weapon, possession of a dangerous weapon, and administering a harmful substance with intent. She is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.
Police stated that the case is being treated as a suspected hate-motivated offence.
Author’s Summary
An 18-year-old Toronto woman was charged after a subway assault described as hate-motivated by police, involving homophobic abuse and a chemical spray attack at Bloor-Yonge station.