On this episode of the Global News podcast What happened to…? Erica Vella revisits the story of the Toronto van attack.
Cathy Riddell has lived in the Yonge and Finch neighborhoods of Toronto for over six decades; it’s an area where she says she’s surrounded by familiar faces, shops and restaurants.
“I know the area very well. …. It’s a safe area,” she said. “I know where all the shops are, I know where all the restaurants are. …. That’s home. “
On a warm Monday in April 2018, Riddell was eager to get out and run errands in the sunshine.
“It was like a beautiful first day of the year, and everyone was out in the street, so I was just happy to be out there,” she said.
“I would go to the library, pick up a book and then sit in the park and enjoy the day.”
However, her day will be disrupted when a white rental van wreaks havoc on the neighborhood she calls home.
On April 23, 2018, a white rental van drove down the sidewalk at the southwest corner of Yonge and Finch Streets and headed south for several blocks.
Riddell was one of the victims who was hit by a truck while walking on Yonge Street.
“The last thing you expect is someone walking on the sidewalk,” she said.
“The worst thing I ever thought of going down the sidewalk was a kid riding a bike that was a bit out of control or something.”
READ MORE: Toronto van attacker sentenced to life in prison has no chance of parole for 25 years
At 1:27 p.m., the first call was made to 911. The attack would last for about 7 minutes as horrified witnesses witnessed while innocent bystanders were hit by the white van. cardboard.
Test. Graham Gibson was being called as a detective sergeant for the Toronto police homicide squad when he started hearing rumors about the attack and decided to go to the scene to start the investigation, he said. .
“One of our main goals is to get (injured) people off the sidewalks and streets,” Gibson said. “It’s a horrible thing to see.”
“When you show up as a member of a homicide, other officers and members are looking at you to take control of the scene,” Gibson said.
“Although you can feel it inside and I certainly did, try to stay calm and focus on your task.”
After driving for 2.2 km, the van stopped at Poyntz Avenue because the drink splashed all over the windshield, making it difficult for the driver to see. The driver got out of the car.
READ MORE: Toronto van attack victim, family ready for hearing
Constant. Ken Lam. was able to apprehend the driver and he was arrested by Toronto police at 1:34 pm.
The tragedy left the Toronto community heartbroken and mourned for the victims who lost their lives that day.
Riddell remembers little of what happened on the day of the attack.
“I was a little bit in and out and it seemed like I was talking to people, and I don’t remember anything about it,” she said. “Somehow my mind blocked it all out.”
When Riddell’s brother tried to explain to her what happened that day, she didn’t believe anyone would do such a terrible thing.
“I couldn’t believe it was possible in this city…and anyone could do it with complete strangers,” said Riddell.
“It was such a shock that my mind just couldn’t accept the fact that it happened.”
In this episode of Global News ‘What happened to…?, Erica Vella revisits the Van Toronto Attack to speak to a victim who was hit hard by the attack. She also talks to Insp. Graham Gibson tells of his experiences as a detective at the scene, and with reporter Catherine Mcdonald, who sets out to unravel the motive behind the driver’s assault.
Contact:
Email: erica.vella@globalnews.ca
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