U.S. man charged with attempted murder in unprovoked Toronto machete attack

Security guards are being credited with tackling and restraining a suspect in an unprovoked machete attack in downtown Toronto on Wednesday

Police were called to the scene near Bay and Dundas streets at around 4:30 p.m. When they arrived, security guards at the Atrium on Bay were holding the suspect down.

Police say they recovered a machete and a large hunting knife. The hunting knife was not used in the attack.

Arlington Thompson, 35, of Queens, N.Y., is charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, assault with a weapon and possession of a weapon. He appeared in court on Thursday and was remanded into custody. His next court appearance is on Dec. 30.

The victim, a 30-year-old man, who was bleeding from the legs and head, was taken to hospital where he remains in stable condition.

“(He) was just doing his day-to-day routine and was attacked in an unprovoked fashion,” said Sgt. Dale Corra.

“I’m pleased to say that the citizens of Toronto are safe and secure due to the excellent police response and seamless work with security in the area.”

Mike Soperel, manager of security at Atrium on Bay, said his  guards showed great courage.

“My security officers reacted and were able to apprehend the suspect and bring him to the ground, and held him until police arrived.  You couldn’t ask anything more of them,” he said.

“We are very happy with the staff and how they reacted. Absolutely a brave thing to do.”

 

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