Toronto police arrest cyclist after stop-sign incident draws criticism

Toronto police say a cyclist faces three provincial offence charges after officers stopped him downtown on Sunday evening for allegedly running a stop sign near Queen's Quay West and Little Norway Crescent. A video of the arrest, which has spread on social media, shows officers tackling the man to the ground after a brief chase. Police said the cyclist was riding at a high speed, yelled at officers, and tried to flee after being told to stop. The incident has raised questions about whether the force used was appropriate. A Toronto lawyer who represents cyclists said the response appeared excessive for an alleged traffic offence and warned it could worsen tensions between police, cyclists, and other road users. Local residents also said recurring cycling issues at the intersection should be addressed without a heavyhanded arrest.