Richmond Row business owner says she’s not surprised after random act of violence near her restaurant
It is what many people consider a safe space, secure in the confines of their own vehicle, but a stabbing on Richmond Row may have changed that for many.
It happened around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday afternoon as a driver in a southbound car was waiting for a train to cross Richmond Street, just south of Piccadilly Street.
"A man was stopped at the train tracks in his vehicle and another man had entered the vehicle and stabbed him,” said London Police Const. Sandasha Bough.
Police released a number of images of a suspect and announced early Wednesday afternoon that an arrest had been made. Bough said there's no indication the suspect and victim knew each other.
One person who saw surveillance video of the scene at the time of the crime, but doesn't want to be identified, said the suspect was walking south along Richmond Street and stopped for the passing train. They said he stood on the west-side sidewalk for a while and then circled out into traffic just before the stabbing happened.
Witnesses said the suspect left the vehicle and took off on foot. The victim actually turned his vehicle around, driving north on Richmond Street and then pulling onto Piccadilly Street before coming to a stop and calling for help.
He was taken to hospital and remains listed in critical condition.
"Without any reason they just harass you or they ask you for a cigarette, and if you say no they can do anything," said Aahuti Rajan.
The new businessperson said she sees more volatility on the streets and said the stabbing doesn’t surprise her.
Fin City Fish and Chips is located steps from where a stabbing occurred March 21, 2023. Owner Aahuti Rajan said she keeps the door locked when she is alone in the shop because of volatile behaviour on the street. (Gerry Dewan/CTV News London)
Rajan and her husband opened Fin City Fish and Chips in August. When she's alone in the business, the door remains locked.
"I put a note on a paper,” she explained. “When you want to come in for dinner or a pick-up, give me a call or knock on the door and I'll open the door."
Fin City is just steps from where the stabbing happened, and she said it's incidents like this that have her prioritizing safety over potentially losing customers.
"It's an extra step to get in, so that's how it affects my business, but I cannot compromise on that. I'll sacrifice my business -- a hundred dollars -- but it's my life,” she said.
Bough said however that even with the arrest, the Major Crimes Unit is continuing the investigation, and are asking for any information that may help with that investigation.
"We are appealing to members of the public if you have any dash-cam footage, and video surveillance, anything that could assist us, please contact us,” she said.
Many waiting for trains throughout the day Wednesday said they hadn't heard of the stabbing, but Dorothy Dent said it will change one of her behaviours, and told CTV News London, "I'll lock my doors."
At this point, the identity of the suspect and any charges he may be facing have not been released.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
WATCH LIVE | Johnston calls allegations of bias 'quite simply false' as MPs question him on foreign interference role
Canada's special rapporteur on foreign interference David Johnston calls the allegations swirling around his objectivity 'quite simply false,' and said Tuesday he plans to push ahead with his work, launching public hearings next month

Poilievre calls on Liberals to make killers like Bernardo stay in max-security prison
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should see to it that mass murderers serve their entire sentences in maximum-security prison.
What's behind the increase in orca-human interactions, boat attacks? Here’s what an expert thinks
The number of interactions between killer whales and humans has increased alarmingly in recent years. CTVNews.ca asked an expert to explain the reasons behind the increase in interactions, explore the types of encounters, and examine the implications for both humans and killer whales.
PGA Tour agrees to merge with Saudi-backed LIV Golf
The PGA Tour ended its expensive fight with Saudi Arabia's golf venture and now is joining forces with it, making a stunning announcement Tuesday of a merger that creates a commercial operation with the Public Investment Fund and the European tour.
Rent across Canada climbs to 20 per cent above pandemic lows: report
Across Canada, the average price of rent climbed back up after pandemic lows, with the monthly rate new tenants face now 20 per cent higher than it was two years ago, according to just-released rental data.
Internal docs suggest Trudeau wants China blocked from Pacific Rim trade deal
While the Liberals insist a Pacific Rim trade bloc should welcome anyone who meets its standards, an internal document suggests Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wants China kept out.
Federal government gives updated deal to public service union that signed agreement before PSAC strike
The federal government has given an updated deal to a public-service union that signed its collective agreement in the fall in order to match deals reached with the Public Service Alliance of Canada during a strike this spring.
Prince Harry testifies the tabloids destroyed his childhood, but fails to recall specific stories
Prince Harry entered a courtroom witness box Tuesday, swearing to tell the truth in testimony against a tabloid publisher he accuses of phone hacking and other unlawful snooping.
Feds warn 2023 on track to be the worst fire season ever seen in Canada
Canada's emergency preparedness minister says images of wildfires burning across the country are some of the most severe ever witnessed in Canada and the current forecast for the next few months indicates the potential for continued higher-than-normal fire activity.