The City Centre Mirror

Five people were transported to hospital Tuesday, Aug. 19 following a dramatic single car crash near Bloor and Parliament streets.

The accident happened at about 3 a.m. as police were pursuing a suspect they believe was operating a stolen vehicle.

The car reportedly slammed into a utility pole and sustained serious damage.

No one was seriously hurt in the incident.

Police suspect alcohol may have been a factor.

Anyone who may have witnessed this accident should call 416-808-5100 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at www.2222tips.com or 416-222-TIPS (8477).

A man was stabbed several times in the abdomen Monday night during an altercation with a group of males.

Police were called to the scene at around 9:30 p.m. when the victim’s friends reported that he had been knifed. 

The incident took place behind a schoolyard on Bedford Park Avenue, which is near Yonge Street and Lawrence Avenue West.

The victim was transported to Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and treated for non life-threatening injuries.

Police are asking anyone with information to call 416-808-3200 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at www.222tips.com or 416-222-TIPS (8477).

The youngest competitor of the five still remaining on this year's edition of Canadian Idol, the local resident, who also went to Deer Park Public School in the Mount Pleasant Road and St. Clair Avenue area when he was younger, is slated to give a special concert at Toronto BuskerFest on Friday, Aug. 22 at 6 p.m. at the CTV Stage at Front and Market streets.

In true busker style, Mookie will pass the hat after his performance but will donate the proceeds to Epilepsy Toronto.

The only question is whether the talented teen will still be in the hunt for the title of Canadian Idol. He should be in his element this week with the show on Monday, Aug. 18 featuring Beatles covers.

The results show is then broadcast on Tuesday, Aug. 19.

Last week, the throw-back rocker impressed the judges (and obviously Canadian voters) with Steppenwolf's 'Magic Carpet Ride' to make it into the Top 5.

Organizers are urging Toronto music fans to keep voting for Mookie no matter the result.

Toronto BuskerFest runs from Thursday, Aug. 21 to Sunday, Aug. 24 on Front Street between Church and Jarvis streets (adjacent to the St. Lawrence Market).

The goal of this year's marathon is to raise $1 million for more than 60 small Toronto charities including Invest in Kids, the Assaulted Women's Helpline and Fort York Food Bank.

The marathon (42 kilometres), which also offers a half marathon (21 kilometres) and five-kilometre run has become one of the premier sporting events in Toronto and across North America, according to organizers.

"This race is Toronto's race and there is truly a way for everyone in our city to participate," said Alan Brookes, race director, in a press release.

This year there are three ways for Torontonians to get involved. People who aren't running can participate by pledging a runner or by coming out to cheer along the race route or at one of Scotia Toronto Waterfront's 10 official Neighbourhood Cheering and Entertainment Centres from the Humber to the Beaches.

This year's marathon starts and finishes at Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St. W. beginning at 7:30 a.m. Visit www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com for the full race route.

The fire broke out at on Aug. 11 at 5:30 a.m. at a residence on Highbourne Road, near Avenue Road and Eglinton Avenue West.

The home's six residents were evacuated unharmed.

The fire's cause has yet to be determined.

The blaze was brought under control by about 9 a.m. with the assistance of about 50 firefighters.

The fire marshal's office was on hand to investigate because of the significant amount of damage to the building and its roof sustained during the fire.

Fire crews also remained on the scene after the fire was extinguished as a precautionary measure.