Community safety updates on motor vehicle incident
Update: April 17
On April 16, the Toronto Police Service (TPS) held a brief media conference to share updates about the troubling incident that occurred on Nelson Mandela Walk on April 15.
Information on suspect
TPS confirmed that this was an isolated, intentional and targeted act involving non-community members. They have identified a suspect, Ryan Petroff, 23, of Toronto, who remains at large. TPS advised that the suspect is believed to be dangerous and should not be approached, individuals should contact police if they see him or have any information about his whereabouts. For more information, please visit the news release from Toronto Police Service (external link) .
Working together to enhance community safety
As TPS stated at the briefing, they will continue to work with leadership at our university to enhance campus safety; however, as this was a targeted event they do not believe there is any ongoing risk to the community.
As an immediate measure to ensure pedestrian and public safety on our campus, planters have been placed at the main entrances to Nelson Mandela Walk and barriers have always been in place at Victoria and Bond Streets.
The pedestrian streets on campus - Nelson Mandela Walk, Gould Street, and parts of Victoria Street - are City of Toronto property and must be accessible to emergency vehicles. The university is working with the City of Toronto to determine what additional safety measures can be implemented to ensure pedestrian walkways remain safe while maintaining accessibility for emergency vehicles.
Support available for community members
As we recently shared, incidents like this can evoke feelings of fear and anxiety. Our thoughts are with those who were injured, as well as with those who witnessed the incident.
When events like this occur, it’s important that we support each other and take advantage of resources that are available to us. We want to ensure community members are aware of the many supports available and we encourage you to make use of these resources if needed. For more information on the supports and how to access them, we encourage you to review the previous community update.
Update: April 16
On Tuesday, April 15, the university issued a TMU Safe indicating there was an active police investigation involving a motor vehicle incident on Nelson Mandela Walk between Gerrard Street E and Gould Street. At this time, we understand the incident did not involve any TMU community members.
The Toronto Police Service has indicated they are looking for a green sedan with a cracked windshield and licence plate DEDZ 565. We encourage any community members with details about the incident to contact Toronto Police Service at 416-808-5100.
Support available for community members
Our thoughts are with those who have been injured and impacted by this incident. We are grateful for the fast response provided by TMU’s Community Safety and Security team, staff from TMU’s Medical Centre who were on the scene, first responders and the Toronto Police Service.
We know that incidents like this can evoke feelings of fear and anxiety, and that some of our community members witnessed the incident unfolding.
We want to assure you that the safety and security of our campus is the university’s top priority and an ongoing area of focus for our leadership.
We also want to ensure community members are aware of the many supports available and we encourage you to make use of these resources if needed.
Student supports
- Centre for Student Development and Counselling offers various care, referrals, and resources, including individual and group counselling. You can make an appointment by emailing csdc@torontomu.ca or calling 416-979-5195.
- Good2Talk (external link) is a free, confidential and anonymous service, offering post-secondary students 24/7 professional counselling, mental health information and connection to local resources. Access support by calling 1-866-925-5454 or by texting “GOOD2TALKON" to 686868.
Employee supports
- The Employee and Family Assistance Program provides employees with a variety of confidential resources to help support wellbeing.
- Workplace Wellbeing Services is available to discuss other supports and services.
For more information on both, visit information about Workplace Wellbeing Services available online.
Reminders about security supports and resources
We encourage all community members to take advantage of Community Safety and Security resources, including:
- The Walk Safe Program: This provides a uniformed security crew member to escort you to various locations on campus, including the subway and nearby parking lots. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To request WalkSafe call 416-979-5040 or email walksafe@torontomu.ca.
- Get Out. Hide. Fight. Training: In addition to the information on the Community Safety and Security website, you can sign up for workshops on the topic.
Review additional resources to support your safety on campus.
Download the TMU Safe app to your phone and sign up for text messages
The notification was communicated via TMU Safe. In addition to sending an email to all community members, notifications are sent via text message and through the mobile app. All community members are strongly encouraged to download the app and sign up for text messages.
