

Chris Fox, CP24.com





A man is facing a slew of charges, including attempted murder, after a downtown stabbing rampage sent three people to hospital Sunday.

According to police, a man “started attacking people at random” in the vicinity of Maple Leaf Gardens early Sunday morning.

According to Det. Phil Hibbeln, the attacks took place at around 8:30 a.m. on Carlton Street.

In the first incident, the suspect attacked two people outside the doors to the Mattamy Athletic Centre at Maple Leaf Gardens, prompting one of them to seek shelter inside the arena.

The suspect is then alleged to have stabbed a third victim just west of the initial scene.

The suspect also allegedly attempted to stab a fourth victim during the course of the rampage, however that victim was able to escape without serious injury, police say.

The suspect was then apprehended without incident at College and Yonge streets a short time later.

“Right now it just appears to be a random attack. For some unknown reason this male started attacking people along Carlton Street,” Hibbeln told CP24 at the scene. “We just don’t know much about him (the suspect) at this point, but he is at 51 Division now and I will be going to interview him and investigate and we will go from there.”

According to the Toronto Paramedic Services, one female in her 20s suffered a stab wound to her torso while a male in his 40s suffered a stab wound to his back and a male in his 20s suffered a stab wound to his front torso.

According to Hibbeln, police are currently reviewing surveillance camera footage and speaking to witnesses as part of their investigation.

In a news release Sunday evening, police identified the suspect and said he is facing a list of charges.

Police say Shawn O’Neill, 62, has been charged with four counts of aggravated assault, six counts of weapons dangerous, six counts of assault with a weapon and four counts of attempted murder.

He is expected to appear in court at Old City Hall tomorrow.

Police are asking anyone with information to call 51 Division at 416-808-5100 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477.

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