A man accused of trying to kill two policemen known to the police

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Gabriel Escairo was known to police before he was charged with trying to kill not one, but two of them.

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A clue to his past interactions was evident in the multiple counts confirmed Monday, as he was charged with four counts of failure to comply with a release order.

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But it's the attempted-murder charges — linked to the stabbing of a rookie Toronto police officer and his arrest Friday — that are now in the courts.

Toronto police have confirmed that the 28-year-old man has been charged with two counts of attempted murder, two counts of assaulting a peace officer, aggravated assault on a police officer and possession of a dangerous weapon.

Escairo also shot at police during the arrest and was seen in videos on social media.

A large knife was found at the scene, including blood from the suspect and at least one officer who police say was stabbed in the leg during the horrific altercation.

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The officers and the accused are believed to be recovering from the incident at the Tim Hortons on Lansdowne Avenue and College St.

Sources say the new job is Const. Manraj Mahal is currently recovering at home. His peers in Division 13 understand how close these cops came to not one, but two funerals.

They have a difficult job.

According to the police, the officers were trying to arrest the suspect under the provisions of the Mental Health Act. A woman at the scene, who said she was his girlfriend of five years, told reporters that Escairo had struggled. A look at her social media gives some insight into her past struggles.

None of the charges against him have been tested in court. Police have not released any information about his previous charges. Sources say he had a “long history” of mental health issues.

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It's just another example of how dangerous it can be for both the police and the public. Torontonians are concerned after four police officers have been attacked in just one week.

They are also concerned about people leaving prison or hospital with substance abuse and mental health problems and the danger they pose to society.

The best place to resolve these issues is in the courtroom, and this case is right there.

But regardless of the outcome of attempted murder and other serious charges, governments must recognize that there are far too many people with mental health and substance abuse problems who are not receiving adequate treatment.

This makes Toronto a dangerous place.

A man accused of trying to kill two police officers may be a grim reminder of that. Does it also serve as a wake-up call?

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