Toronto police are now investigating an attack that saw a woman set fire to a TTC bus as an alleged hate crime and says a man has been charged in connection with the incident.
It happened just before 12:30 on Friday at Kipling Station.
Police said a man aboard a bus allegedly spilled flammable liquid on a passenger and set it on fire.
The woman, believed to be in her 20s, was assisted by TTC employees and nearby citizens. She suffered second- and third-degree burns and was rushed to the hospital, where she remains in critical condition.
Police said the man fled the area but was later located and arrested.
Police identified the man as Tenzin Norbu of Toronto, 33, on Sunday. He faces four charges, including attempted murder and assault with a weapon.
Police also announced that they are treating the incident as an alleged hate crime after consulting with the hate crime unit.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Const. Alex told him that the man and the woman were strangers. Police said the attack was an isolated incident and posed no threat to the public.
“The problem with (a) random (incident) is that we then have to trace what relationship or how it was, what the reason was,” Li said. “So in this case, being random (is) an obvious cause for concern.”
He praised the “swift action of the good Samaritans” to help the woman.
“The message back to the community is that when you see something suspicious or notice something wrong, alert the authorities immediately. Be aware of your surroundings,” Li said.
Norbu is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.
Police continue to ask anyone with information to call them at 416-808-2200 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
-with Katherine DeClerq files