Toronto Police have issued a public appeal for information as they search for an 18-year-old man wanted in connection with two separate, unprovoked stabbings in the city's west end. The incidents occurred on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, leaving both victims with injuries that were serious but not life-threatening.
Details of the Dufferin Station Assaults
The violent spree began shortly before 4:40 p.m. According to police, the first attack took place on the underground mezzanine level of the TTC's Dufferin Station. A victim was approached from behind and assaulted with an edged weapon. The suspect then fled the station on foot.
Moments later, a second victim was targeted in a similar manner in the nearby area of Bloor Street West and Pauline Avenue. Police state this individual was also approached from behind and assaulted with an edged weapon before the suspect fled the scene on foot once more.
Investigators have emphasized that both attacks were completely unprovoked and that the suspect and victims are not known to each other.
Suspect Sought on Multiple Charges
Police have identified the wanted individual as Noah Christopher Chapman, 18, of Toronto. His image has been released to the public. Chapman is wanted on two counts of aggravated assault, as well as charges of carrying a concealed weapon and possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about Chapman's whereabouts to contact them immediately at 416-808-1100 or to provide an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
Separate Incident: Man Charged with Attempted Murder and Arson
In an unrelated case, Toronto Police have charged a 32-year-old man with attempted murder and assaulting a peace officer with a weapon following a series of disturbing events on Sunday.
The incident began around 12:50 p.m. when officers responded to a fire at a residence in the Bloor and Bathurst streets area. Shortly after, they received a call about a stabbing nearby at College and Bathurst streets.
Police allege that a man started a fire inside a residence and then went to a second home, where he became involved in a verbal argument before assaulting a person with an edged weapon. The assault only ceased when another individual intervened, who was then also assaulted. The suspect fled but was located by police a short time later near Lake Ontario.
While an officer attempted to rescue the suspect from the lake, the man allegedly assaulted the officer with an edged weapon. The suspect was eventually rescued and taken into custody. The officer, the initial victims, and the suspect were all treated in hospital for non-life-threatening injuries and later released.
The accused, Variant Blutar, 32, of Toronto, faces a lengthy list of charges including attempted murder, arson with disregard for human life, assault with a weapon, and multiple counts of failing to comply with probation.
Peel Police Human Trafficking Arrest
In a third, separate police matter, Peel Regional Police have announced an arrest in a human trafficking investigation. A 25-year-old Mississauga man, Hasan Ahmed (also known as Hassan), was arrested on December 18 and now faces seven charges.
The charges include trafficking in persons, exercising control, and assault. The investigation, launched in November by the Vice and Human Trafficking Unit, alleges the suspect exploited a female in the sex trade industry across the Greater Toronto Area using coercion, manipulation, and physical violence for financial gain.
Investigators believe there may be more victims and are asking anyone with information to come forward.
