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GO bus hit in latest 'senseless, dangerous' rock throwing incident in Markham

Police are investigating after a rock was thrown at a GO bus in Markham on Saturday — the latest of several incidents of rocks being thrown at moving vehicles in the area since September.

OPP have received 11 reports of rock throwing along Highway 48 since Sept. 20

Photo of a cracked bus windshield
Ontario Provincial Police released this image of a GO bus damaged after a rock was thrown at its windshield on Nov. 30. (Ontario Provincial Police )

Police are investigating after a rock was thrown at a GO bus in Markham on Saturday — the latest of several incidents of rocks being thrown at moving vehicles in the area since September.

On Nov. 30 shortly before 11:30 p.m., Ontario Provincial Police received reports of a rock being thrown at an occupied bus's windshield on Highway 48, north of Major Mackenzie Drive. 

In an email to CBC Toronto, a spokesperson for Metrolinx said a GO bus driver reported that a large rock hit the windshield while they were driving, shattering the glass. Passengers were safely transferred to another bus, Metrolinx added.

No injuries were reported, police said in a news release.

Sgt. Kerry Schmidt said the incidents are "senseless, dangerous and completely unacceptable." 

He added, "This could absolutely turn fatal." 

Another rock-throwing incident left 1 in critical condition

Since Sept. 20, the OPP's Aurora detachment has received 11 reports of rocks intentionally thrown at vehicles travelling along Highway 48 in Markham, according to a news release from Nov. 12. 

York police have also received nine reports of rocks deliberately being thrown at vehicles, according to the release. 

Two people were sent to hospital in life-threatening condition on Sept. 20 after a rock throwing incident led to a crash along Highway 48. 

"One of those individuals has since stabilized and is in recovery, while the second victim remains in critical condition in hospital," the OPP said in Friday's release. 

WATCH | Crash sent 2 to hospital with life-threatening injuries:

2 people severely injured after rocks thrown at moving vehicles

3 months ago
Duration 4:35
Ontario Provincial Police are asking for the public's help as they investigate several instances of rocks thrown at moving vehicles in Markham, one which led to a serious crash that left two people with life-threatening injuries. CBC’s Clara Pasieka has the details.

The OPP released dashcam footage of the crash last month. 

Police believe the incidents are all linked to the same suspect and vehicle, which may be a light-coloured SUV. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact the OPP or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers. 

With files from John Paul Gallardo