Man receives nine-year prison sentence for stabbing TTC employee

On Sept. 17, 2010, a man boarded a bus with an invalid transfer near Brimley Rd. and Steeles Ave. E. When the operator refused to accept the transfer, the man became enraged and removed a knife from his backpack, stabbing the operator three times on his leg and hand.

The suspect fled the scene, but was arrested by Toronto Police the next day and charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon and carrying a concealed weapon. The assault was captured by CCTV on board the bus and was presented as evidence in court. The male was convicted of aggravated assault in March 2012.

On Feb. 21, 2014, Wei Yang, 43, was sentenced to nine years in prison and an additional 10-year long-term supervision order after his prison sentence is served.

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 strictest penalties possible for those convicted of assaulting TTC employees, as well as seek limits on the use of public transit in Toronto for those convicted of these crimes.