Residents of Toronto are being urged to remain vigilant after a series of frightening, random attacks have underscored concerns about public safety. The arrest of one suspect has provided some relief, but authorities warn the problem may be more widespread.
Arrest Made in Dufferin Station Knife Attacks
Toronto Police have arrested an 18-year-old man in connection with two separate, unprovoked stabbings that occurred near the Dufferin TTC subway station on January 7, 2026. The suspect, identified as Noah Christopher Chapman of Toronto, was taken into custody in Hamilton with the assistance of Hamilton Police on January 9.
According to police allegations, the first incident took place just after 4:30 p.m. inside the underground mezzanine level of Dufferin Station. The suspect allegedly approached a victim from behind and assaulted them with an edged weapon. He then fled the station on foot.
Moments later, police claim the same suspect approached a second victim from behind in the area of Bloor Street West and Pauline Avenue, assaulting that individual with a blade as well. Both victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were treated in hospital.
CTV reporter Mike Walker obtained video of one of the attacks, which reportedly shows an assailant sneaking up behind a man and stabbing him in the back of the leg. Chapman faces charges including two counts of aggravated assault, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace, and theft under.
City on Edge as Violent Offenders Remain at Large
While one suspect is in custody, Toronto Police have issued a separate public warning about a missing patient from a mental-health facility who was previously found not criminally responsible (NCR) for a random murder.
The individual, 33-year-old Dylan Sherief, was reported missing from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in the city’s west end on the morning of January 8, 2026. Sherief was found NCR for the 2022 random stabbing death of 57-year-old Nicola Maiorano at Greenwood and Danforth Avenues.
Police describe Sherief as 6-foot-2, approximately 215 pounds, with a medium build, brown hair, and a beard. He has numerous tattoos on his face and neck and was last seen wearing a black hooded jacket, light brown pants, and black shoes with white soles. The public is advised not to approach him but to contact authorities immediately.
A Pattern of Unprovoked Violence in the GTA
These incidents are part of a disturbing trend of random attacks across the Greater Toronto Area. In a separate case, York Regional Police arrested 28-year-old Alexandros Jorge Acosta of Toronto on January 9. He is charged in connection with an assault on a female victim in a Vaughan plaza parking lot on January 5. Police allege the victim was approached from behind and assaulted with an unknown object before the suspect fled.
Furthermore, the Toronto Sun's Chris Doucette reported this week on the December 23, 2025, shooting death of 20-year-old University of Toronto Scarborough student Shivank Avasthi on a campus trail. Babatunde Afuwape, 28, who was on parole at the time, has been charged with first-degree murder. Homicide detectives have stated they believe it was a "planned and deliberate act" but have not yet established a motive.
These events collectively paint a picture of a metropolitan area where seemingly motiveless violence is causing deep concern among citizens and law enforcement alike. Police continue to investigate these cases while reminding the public to be aware of their surroundings.
