I, Daniel Walderman would like to take a moment to provide an accurate account and clarify the misinformation that has unfortunately been circulated. I believe the below article has been pushed with an Anti-Semitic agenda to attack myself and my community.
The Toronto Sun has published an article titled "Toronto man charged after parking enforcement officer assaulted" , which contains multiple misleading and factually incorrect statements regarding an incident involving myself on Avenue Road in Toronto.
False Claim: "Toronto Man Has Been Charged with Assault"
This headline is highly misleading and outright false. On the evening of the incident, I received a call from a detective requesting that I voluntarily attend 32 Division to give my side of the story. Upon arriving, I waited to speak with authorities and was issued a C32 notice – a conditional release slip for a verbal interaction, not for a physical assault.
At no point was I physically aggressive. The way the article is written creates the impression of violence, which is completely inaccurate.
Clarification of Events on Avenue Road
The article claims I “drove away but returned shortly after on foot to confront the officer” – this is completely fabricated.
Key facts:
- I was not driving the vehicle. My wife and daughter had pulled over briefly in front of Starbucks on Avenue Road to pick me up.
- I was walking down from Toytown, a block north, and approached our car when I noticed a parking enforcement officer in front of it.
- The officer was standing in a street parking space, preventing my wife from pulling forward. He then proceeded to write her a ticket for "stopping in a live lane of traffic," even though his own position was preventing her from moving.
- I was not the driver and therefore did not "drive away" – that claim is entirely false and misleading.
False Accusation: "Swiping at the Officer and Striking His Hat"
Another major inaccuracy in the article is the claim that I struck the officer or “swiped at” him multiple times.
Here’s what actually happened:
- I asked the officer for his badge number – a request every citizen is legally entitled to make.
- The officer refused to provide it. As a result, I attempted to take a photo of his hat where the badge number was displayed.
- In the process of lowering my phone after taking the photo, the phone grazed his hat – a minor, incidental contact. There was no aggression or intent to strike involved.
- Photographic evidence exists to support this version of events.
Misrepresentation of Legal Status
The most egregious falsehood in the article is the claim that I was arrested and charged with assault. This is patently false.
- I was never arrested.
- I was never charged with physical assault.
- I voluntarily attended the police station and was placed under a conditional release, as I posed no threat.
- There were no handcuffs, no forced detainment, and no physical arrest.
- The article irresponsibly uses language that suggests a violent criminal scenario, which misrepresents the facts entirely.
Invasion of Privacy and Irresponsible Journalism
Naming me in the article and publishing misleading details without proper verification is not only irresponsible but potentially defamatory. The situation has been grossly sensationalized, possibly to generate clicks and attention rather than to inform the public accurately.
It’s also concerning that the article may reflect underlying biases or discriminatory undertones, given the aggressive framing and the lack of balance in reporting.
Final Thoughts
This incident was a misunderstanding at most, exacerbated by a lack of communication and a disproportionate response. The narrative pushed by the Toronto Sun does not reflect reality and has caused undue harm to my reputation.
I urge readers and news outlets alike to prioritize truth, context, and responsible reporting. I remain open and cooperative with any lawful inquiries and hope this correction helps clarify the situation for those who have read the original article.