Toronto police lay charges following beating of man in Hanlan's Point - Action News
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Toronto

Toronto police lay charges following beating of man in Hanlan's Point

A man has been arrested and chargedon Saturday in connection with a beatingon Toronto Island earlier this month that left a man with significant injuries, Toronto police say.

David Gomez was assaulted while walking to the ferry docks on June 5

A 24-year-old man was arrested on Saturday in connection with a violent, homophobic assault on Toronto Island earlier this month that left a man with significant injuries. (Submitted by David Gomez)

A 24-year-old man has been arrested and chargedon Saturday in connection with a beatingon Toronto Island earlier this month that left a man with significant injuries, Toronto police say.

Elijah McGibbon, charged with one count ofaggravated assault, is dueto appear at court at Old City Hall on Monday, July 26.

According to police, a 24-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman were walking to the ferry docks at around 11:30 p.m. on June 5 when they "became involved in a disagreement with a group of people."

That's when, police say, a man from that second group of people made homophobic comments toward the victims.

A woman from the second group grabbed one of the pair, police say. Then, two men from the group punched and kicked theman, leaving him with "significant injuries."

David Gomez, also 24, later identified himself as the victim when contacted by CBC News.

In the days after the assault was reported, social media posts alleged thata member of the CFL'sOttawa Redblackswasone of the peopleinvolved inthe attack.

The Redblackssubsequently announcedthat defensive lineman Chris Larsenhad been suspended from the team, pending an ongoing investigation.

His lawyer,Calvin Barry, said Larsen is no longer a suspect.

Barry has said he hopesthe CFL lifts Larsen'ssuspension shortly because of the misinformation and allows him to return to his life and career.

The Redblacks said on Saturday that the team has no update to provide at this time.

'This remains an active investigation,' police say

In a news release on Saturday, police said investigators have been working to identify those involved in the incident.

"I want to make it clear that while we have successfully charged someone for their alleged involvement in this assault, our investigation does not stop here,"said Det.-Const.Lauren Hassard from 52 Division.

"This is a complex case and we still encourage witnesses to come forward. In particular, we want to speak to two women who we believe were in the area at the time and are described as white, in their 20s and with brown hair. This remains an active investigation."

Police are asking anyone with information to call 416-808-5200 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).