A man who was caught on video in a violent altercation with TTC special constables on a streetcar on Friday has been charged, Toronto police say.
The incident happened on-board a streetcar on the 501 Queen route, near River Street, shortly before 8 a.m.
In the 12-second video posted on Twitter, the constables are seen attempting to subdue the man. One of them pins him to a streetcar seat, while the other sprays some sort of foam on him.
The rider who captured the video said the man had kicked off his shoes and was yelling at random people before he was approached by the constables who asked to see proof of payment.
He said an exchange ensued between the two parties before it escalated and led to shoving and then punches.
The transit agency said in a statement Friday that the incident occurred during a routine fare inspection.
“The altercation involving two TTC Special Constables took place after they were approached by several customers on board the vehicle who had concerns,” the statement said.
TTC CEO Rick Leary said there would be an independent investigation into the incident.
Mayor John Tory and several city councillors condemned the handling of the man, calling it “very disconcerting” and “unacceptable.”
Neither the TTC nor Toronto police confirmed what substance was sprayed on the man.
Police said the man has been charged with two counts of uttering threats and two counts of assaulting an officer.
He appeared in court on Saturday morning. The investigation is ongoing.
#ttc mornings pic.twitter.com/WBxWfbhV8Z
— -J- (@CascadingDesign) February 7, 2020
