A violent incident involving a machete-wielding suspect in a white ski mask sent one person to hospital and put a high school on lockdown in Toronto on Saturday morning.
Police respond to reports of armed suspect near Bathurst and Finch
According to Toronto police, they received multiple calls around 9:30 a.m. about a person carrying a machete and wearing a white “horror movie” ski mask near Bathurst Street and Finch Avenue. The suspect was also described as wearing all black clothing with white gloves and a white backpack.
Police arrived at the scene and found one victim with non-life-threatening injuries, who was transported to hospital. The victim’s identity and condition have not been released.
High school under lockdown as police search for suspect
As a precaution, the Toronto District School Board placed a nearby high school, Northview Heights Secondary School, under lockdown “due to a police investigation in the area”. The lockdown was lifted around 11:30 a.m. after police confirmed that the suspect was not on school property.
Police said they searched the area extensively with the help of canine units and a helicopter, but were unable to locate the suspect. They asked the public to stay out of the area and report any suspicious activity.
Motive and identity of suspect unknown
Police said they do not know the motive or the identity of the suspect, and whether the victim and the suspect knew each other. They also said they do not have any surveillance footage or witnesses that could help identify the suspect.
Police are appealing for anyone with information or dashcam video to contact them or Crime Stoppers.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
