Rampage in Yorkville

What started as a regular Saturday night quickly turned into a violent rampage tearing through upscale Yorkville.

On Aug. 20 close to 7 p.m., 22-year-old Jacob Kerzner was at the Hazelton One bar on Yorkville Avenue, according to Constable Tony Vella.

Kerzner reportedly left the bar, located in the lobby of the Hazelton Hotel and Residences — one of the neighbourhood’s most expensive buildings, with a penthouse valued at over $12-million — and for reasons still unknown to police, attacked at least six people, one of whom was a 16-year-old girl.

“He started assaulting people while walking down the street,” Vella said. “We’re trying to figure out what provoked him to do this but it’s still unclear.”

He added Kerzner then continued the violent rampage by attacking a man and his dog, first kicking the dog in the ribcage, then assaulting the owner. The owner then picked up his dog and fled the scene before police arrived.

Vella said the owner has since contacted police and the investigation is ongoing. He added he hopes more witnesses — and potentially victims — will follow.

“We believe there are a few more victims he assaulted who have not reported their cases to police,” Vella said. “We’re urging anyone who may have been victimized by him that have not come forward to definitely do so.”

Kerzner was arrested at the scene without incident after breaking the rear taillight of a parked car. Though he wouldn’t elaborate, Vella did say Kerzner is known to police.

As of press time, the accused faces six counts of assault, two counts of mischief under $5,000 and one count of cruelty to animals.