Man Dies After Being Shot With Crossbow At Main Street Library
Posted December 2, 2010 4:34 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Paramedics have confirmed that a man in his 40s has been declared dead after he was shot by a crossbow at the Main Street Library at 137 Main Street near Gerrard Street East in Toronto Thursday.
The victim was apparently found with the arrow protruding from his back. Initial reports suggested he was found inside the library, but that hasn’t been confirmed by police.
Const. Tony Vella said a male suspect in his early 30s was taken into custody shortly after the incident.
There are also unconfirmed reports that police recovered pepper spray or tear gas from his getaway vehicle, a U-Haul truck.
He was apprehended on Phenix Drive, near Warden Ave.
“An altercation took place – a man was shot with a crossbow,” Vella said. “He (fled) northbound on Main Street. A man has been arrested in Scarborough.”
“Public safety is our number one concern in this case,” he added. “Officers are securing the scene. We need to determine exactly what has occurred.”
Vella admitted that it was the first time he’s seen a crossbow used as a murder weapon.
“This is a very unique case. It’s the first time I’ve ever heard of something like this happening.”
An employee at a nearby bar watched as the suspect fled the area.
“He came out of the library and entered into a U-Haul very calmly,” said Linus Smith. “He was carrying something – I don’t know what.”
“It’s crazy. This neighbourhood is full of kids. There’s mothers with babies in the library…It’s really, really crazy and sad.”
Another area man left his home to find out what was going on after noticing a slew of emergency vehicles.
“I live around the corner and I saw all the police cars…Apparently the guy walked into the library and maced the guy and then shot him with a crossbow,” he said. “I’ve heard police caught the guy. I’ve been here for over 11 years and never seen anything like this.”
