This collaborative report is a joint effort between CBC Visual Investigations and the Investigative Journalism Foundation (IJF).
Law enforcement is grappling with a surge in violence on public transit systems nationwide, with a small fraction of individuals accounting for a significant portion of the violent offenses. The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) has identified that 22 percent of perpetrators are responsible for nearly half of the criminal incidents on transit.
Public transportation consultant David Cooper highlighted the challenge of dealing with recurrent offenders in transit systems across Canada, emphasizing the concentrated impact these individuals have on a specific group of passengers. Cooper noted that police are familiar with these repeat offenders, acknowledging the recurring nature of the problem.
Exclusive data from Statistics Canada, analyzed by CBCâs visual investigations team and the Investigative Journalism Foundation (IJF), reveals a substantial increase in violent crimes related to transit in Edmonton. The city witnessed a more than twofold rise in the rate of physical assaults on transit and a staggering 260% surge in annual incidents between 2015 and 2024.
Acting Sgt. Scott Nolt from EPS’s crime suppression branch acknowledged the urgency in addressing the escalating violence on transit, pointing out previous neglect in policing the transit system. Nolt emphasized the limitations faced by transit peace officers in enforcing authority and policies effectively.
Exclusive: surveillance footage of subway assault
Court records reveal that the assailant who attacked Ben Mazor on an Edmonton LRT train in 2023 had a lengthy history of criminal offenses. A video obtained through a freedom of information request depicts the sequence of events, showing Mazor encountering the aggressor on the train.
Mazor recalled the violent episode where he was physically assaulted and left with injuries, underscoring the unpredictability and severity of the attack. The footage captured Mazor seeking assistance after the assault, highlighting the distressing nature of the incident.
The perpetrator was apprehended, convicted of assault, and served a jail term following the incident. Subsequently, he pleaded guilty to another assault charge, underscoring the recurring nature of his violent behavior.
Police apprehend 3 individuals in 20 minutes
Recent years have witnessed a significant upsurge in reported