Toronto Police Name Suspect in TMU Hit-and-Run
Toronto police have identified 23-year-old Ryan Petroff as the suspect in Tuesday’s TMU hit-and-run that injured four people on the campus. Investigators say Petroff deliberately drove onto a pedestrian walkway, apparently targeting one individual before fleeing the scene.
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What Happened at TMU?
The incident occurred just before 2 p.m. on April 15 along Nelson Mandela Walk, a pedestrian-only path between TMU’s library and an academic building. According to police, Petroff was allegedly aiming to strike a specific person but ended up hitting three individuals sitting on a bench and a fourth during the chaos.
None of the victims were TMU students or staff. Two suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to hospital. The remaining two had minor injuries and were treated at the scene.
Who Is the Suspect?
Police say Ryan Petroff, of Toronto, is considered armed and dangerous. Witnesses at the scene reportedly identified him. He is wanted on several charges, including dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm and assault with a weapon.
Investigators believe he was driving a green four-door Honda Accord with stolen licence plates (DEDZ 565). The car has damage to the windshield and has not yet been located.
Police: ‘Turn Yourself In’
In a press conference, Insp. Errol Watson publicly urged Petroff to get legal counsel and surrender. “Mr. Petroff, if you are seeing this, get legal counsel and turn yourself in to the police,” Watson said. He did not confirm whether Petroff has a criminal record or previous history with law enforcement.
Was This Targeted?
While police believe one of the injured was the intended target, they have not shared details about the relationship between that person and Petroff. Officers are treating the event as an isolated incident, not a random act of violence. The suspect fled the scene eastbound on Gould Street toward Church Street.
TMU and City Respond with Safety Measures
In the wake of the incident, TMU issued a statement calling the event “very troubling.” The university is now working with the City of Toronto to improve safety along Nelson Mandela Walk, which remains open to emergency vehicles. Planters have been installed at main entrances as an immediate barrier, with discussions ongoing about long-term measures.
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Mayor Olivia Chow Calls Incident ‘Shocking’
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, a former TMU professor, expressed shock and concern. “My heart goes out to the victims and the families,” she said, while emphasizing that the area is generally very safe and well-used by the public.
Ongoing Investigation
Police are continuing their investigation and ask anyone with information about Petroff or the vehicle to contact Toronto Police Service (416-808-5100) or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers.
More…
- https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/tmu-hit-and-run-investigation-1.7511846
- https://www.cp24.com/local/toronto/2025/04/16/police-identify-suspect-give-new-details-about-vehicle-he-allegedly-drove-following-targeted-tmu-campus-hit-and-run
- https://ca.news.yahoo.com/toronto-police-id-suspect-tmu-174034094.html
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