Police: van striking pedestrians in Toronto a deliberate act, multiple injuries reported

(RNN) – Officials are calling the incident where a white van struck down a number of pedestrians in Toronto Monday afternoon a deliberate act. Police have not commented on if the incident was a terror attack or perhaps another reason.

The van fled the scene after jumping the curb at about 1:30 CT and hitting people on the sidewalk just north of downtown, according to police. The driver is now in custody.

Witnesses say that the van was striking people on the sidewalk for about half a mile.

A witness on CNN, Kash Alavi, said he saw four figures covered, but officials have not commented on any deaths or injuries.

The extent of the injuries is unknown, but the CBC is reporting eight to 10 people injured, but police said they need to reassess that number. Paramedics are on the scene treating the injured.

Police have located the white van, which has “Ryder” on the side and a damaged front bumper.

CTV in Canada reports before taking the driver into custody, the man confronted police with a dark object in his hand and told police that he had a gun. However, some reports say that the suspect was holding a cellphone.

“Our hearts go out to anyone affected,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters.

The incident occurred Monday as Cabinet ministers from the G7 countries were gathered in Toronto to discuss a range of international issues in the run-up to the G7 meeting near Quebec City in June, the Associated Press reports.

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