York police now probing alleged excessive force by fare inspectors against Newmarket man with disability

York Regional Police are investigating allegations of excessive force by fare inspectors against a 21-year-old Newmarket man with cognitive disabilities. The incident occurred on July 30 at the Newmarket bus terminal. The man's mother, who wished to remain anonymous to avoid further stigmatization, claims her son paid his fare at Union Station before transferring to a York Region Transit bus.

He reportedly forgot to tap the Presto fare machine at the initial YRT station and forgot to do so upon arriving at the terminal. According to the man's mother, the fare inspectors became frustrated when he refused to provide proof of payment, allegedly raising their voices and escalating the situation. The mother alleges that the inspectors threw her son to the ground, handcuffed him, and searched his pockets and backpack.

She believes his race played a role in the severity of the response, stating that young Black men are held to a different standard than others, particularly when law enforcement is involved. The authorities are currently conducting an investigation into the complaint, but the police have declined to provide further details.