Man sentenced to jail for assaulting TTC employee

A man has been handed a 21 day jail sentence for assaulting a TTC streetcar driver.

On May 16, a male boarded a streetcar at Queen Street West and Jarvis Street, demanding a free ride. When the Operator refused, the male spat on the Operator’s face and clothing.  The suspect then fled from the streetcar.

Toronto Police arrived on the scene, and found the suspect a short distance away. The suspect was arrested and held in custody for a bail hearing.

The following day, Greg McElree, 35, pleaded guilty to assault, and was sentenced to 21 days in jail and one year probation.  One of the conditions of his probation is that he cannot enter any TTC vehicle or property while under the influence of alcohol.

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.