Police name suspect wanted in TMU hit-and-run that injured four

Toronto police are searching for a 23-year-old man who they consider to be “dangerous” after he allegedly struck and injured four people on a pedestrian walkway on Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) campus Tuesday afternoon.

Emergency crews were called to the downtown campus’ Nelson Mandela Walk in the Yonge Street and Gerrard Street East area at around 1:54 p.m. after reports of multiple pedestrians struck.

Insp. Errol Watson says the victims were sitting on a bench when the suspect drove onto the pedestrian walkway towards them, striking three people and injuring a fourth before fleeing the scene.

Two people were transported to a local hospital with serious, non-life-threatening injuries, while two others were assessed on scene and did not require further medical treatment. None of the injured were students or staff at the university.

On Wednesday, Watson identified the suspect as 23-year-old Ryan Petroff, who is facing a total of eight charges, including two counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm and assault with a weapon. Investigators say he is also wanted on two counts of failing to comply with probation.

Watson says at least one of the victims was intentionally targeted by Petroff, however, they did not elaborate on the circumstances or the relationship between the victim and the suspect.

Watson says Petroff was driving a green 4-door Honda Accord with a stolen licence plate DEDZ 565. The vehicle was last seen fleeing eastbound on Gould Street towards Church Street with a damaged windshield.

“We believe this individual is dangerous, and we are urging the public not to approach him. If you see him, call police immediately,” said Watson.

“Mr. Petroff, please get in touch with legal counsel and turn yourself in today.”

Tuesday’s incident on the usually quiet pedestrian-only walkway startled witnesses.

“I was just coming out of the campus building and going to another one, and I just saw these two women running at me and telling me to run,” a student named Noor told CityNews.

She then said she saw a vehicle speeding away before crashing into a pole.

“I’m shocked, it’s so scary that this can happen … No one expects this to happen on campus.”

TMU said in a statement Wednesday that planters have since been placed at the main entrances to Nelson Mandela Walk and noted that barriers “have always been in place” at another pedestrian-only area of the campus, at Victoria and Bond streets.

“Yesterday’s hit-and-run incident is very troubling. TMU is thinking of all of those who have been impacted,” the statement said. “The university wants to ensure that the campus remains a safe, walkable place.”

The university said its pedestrian streets, including the Nelson Mandela Walk, are city property and must be accessible to emergency vehicles.

“The university is discussing with the City of Toronto what additional safety measures can be implemented to ensure pedestrian walkways used by TMU community members and the public are safe while maintaining accessibility for emergency vehicles,” it said.