It's deeply concerning that three separate movie theatres across different locations in Canada faced evacuation due to the release of an "unknown substance," leading to numerous attendees experiencing coughing fits during screenings of Hindi films.
The incidents, occurring on Tuesday night in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), specifically in Toronto, Vaughan, and Brampton, prompted police investigations. York Regional Police confirmed similar occurrences at theaters in Brampton and Toronto that same evening, collaborating with neighboring law enforcement agencies regarding these incidents.
In Vaughan, around 9:20 p.m., roughly 200 individuals were evacuated from a theatre due to severe coughing fits after exposure to the substance. Investigators learned that two masked suspects entered during the screening of an Indian Hindi-language film, spraying an aerosol-based irritant into the air before swiftly fleeing the scene. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported, but several patrons required treatment for exposure to the substance.
Descriptions of the suspects have been released: one identified as a Black man, the other as a brown man, both wearing distinctive clothing and masks during the incidents.
Peel Regional Police responded to a similar incident in Brampton, evacuating a theatre near Great Lakes Drive and Bovaird Drive. Investigations are ongoing, utilizing video surveillance to understand the events that unfolded.
Witnesses' accounts highlighted the distress caused by the substances, with individuals feeling unwell and experiencing prolonged coughing spells. Despite the evacuations and subsequent investigations by law enforcement, no arrests have been made yet.
Toronto police also responded to a call regarding a possible "stink bomb" at Scarborough Town Centre's theatre. The venue was evacuated, with no reported injuries.
Given the crowded nature of the GTA, investigators believe that numerous witnesses might have crucial information to aid in the investigation. The commercial and entertainment-centric nature of the area makes it well-travelled by both pedestrians and vehicular traffic, increasing the likelihood of potential witnesses.
(With Agency Inputs)
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