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City police arrested a suspected man on Tuesday night after a senior was pushed off the LRT platform on the runways on Monday night.
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Violence in LRT stations
This is the latest incident of violence in Edmonton’s transit system that has raised security concerns.
On March 9, a 39-year-old man was waiting at Central LRT Station with a group when another group approached them. A quarrel arose between the two and the man was stabbed.
He was transported to hospital with serious injuries, but without danger to life. A 27-year-old man has been charged with aggravated assault.
Edmonton LRT Station on February 6, 2019. Photo: Ed Kaiser / Postmedia
Then last April, a student at the University of Alberta was stabbed after a man attacked him while getting off the LRT train at University Station. The suspect was arrested several blocks without incident. He was carrying knives and a container of bear spray.
In March 2021, the city stepped up security at transit facilities after a series of “hate-motivated” attacks on Muslim women. At that time, six attacks were reported since December 2020, three of which took place in a transit property in Edmonton.
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‘Criminal wave’
Peacekeeping unions patrolling the transit system have expressed concerns about a “wave of crime” during transit, the city’s ability to provide security and safety, and more support from Edmonton police is needed.
More recently, city councilors were told that a new passer-by awareness program, expanded work teams and improved video surveillance are part of the city’s transit gliders’ actions to improve safety this year.
Mayor Amarjit Sohi said at a March 23 committee meeting that transit should be a “delightful experience” for all, but Edmonton cannot solve the major social problems behind the problems unless the province is strengthened.
Mike Ellis, deputy minister of mental health and addictions, disagreed, saying the province was investing in treatment and rehabilitation options and providing police with tools to connect people with help.
Sohi said the city is doing everything possible to solve the problem.
“I am absolutely committed to making our transit system as safe and reliable as possible, the fastest, most convenient and easiest to use, and to make sure that people use it and feel safe and happy to use it,” he said.
“With files from Lauren Bootby.”
ajunker@postmedia.com
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