Durham Regional Police are searching for a suspect who violently attacked two crew members of a Lakeshore East train last Wednesday evening (August 5).

The GO train was just pulling into Whitby GO, on its way west toward Union Station, when the Customer Service Ambassador was confronted by a white male who was wearing a cut-off black t-shirt, camo-style cargo pants and a dark coloured face covering.

After a brief interaction with the CSA, the suspect began to attack and assault the crew member. Seeing what was going on, a GO train engineer who was in cab-car at the time, rushed back to the accessibility coach to provide assistance to the injured CSA. That’s when the suspect began to lash out again, assaulting the second crew member.

“We have zero-tolerance for this type of behaviour,” said Bill Grodzinski, GO Transit’s Chief Special Constable and Director of Transit Safety. “Based on the pictures, someone will be able to identify this person. We ask those people to do the right thing and call Crime Stoppers, or turn this person in to police.”

The two crew members are now recovering at home.

As a result of their injuries, the train had to be placed out of service which created significant delays for Lakeshore East customers.

As for the male suspect, he fled the area before GO Transit Safety officers and police could arrive at the scene. However, investigators believe this suspect may return to Metrolinx properties or facilities to collect some personal items that were left behind at the scene.

“Given this suspect’s propensity to violence, we ask that if someone spots this individual to call 911 immediately,” said, Durham Regional Police Const. George Tudos. “Do not approach them.”

As always, GO Transit is asking customers if they see or hear anything suspicious, or witness a crime in progress, to immediately contact police (911), followed by a second call to Transit Safety Dispatch at 416-202-4400.