Man sent to jail for assaulting TTC employee

On December 21, 2013, a man boarded a bus without paying a fare near Lawrence Ave. E. and Kingston Rd. When the Operator requested a fare, the suspect spat in his face and attempted to strike him with an umbrella. The Operator was transported to hospital with minor injuries.

On January 16, Christopher Otoo, 21, pleaded guilty to a charge of assault and was sentenced to 60 days in jail and two years probation. As part of his probation order, Otoo is not allowed on TTC vehicles and property between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., or with alcohol or non-prescription drugs in his system.

On average, two TTC employees are assaulted every day, ranging from punching, slapping and spitting, to threats of physical harm or death. The TTC’s Court Advocates work with Crown Attorneys to secure the stiffest penalties possible for those convicted of assaulting TTC employees, and continue to seek limits on the use of public transit in Toronto for those convicted of these crimes.