A TTC operator will meet with transit officials Friday, to defend himself.

The 10-year employee was relieved of duty (but not fired) after his actions on this past Wednesday afternoon.

A man who allegedly sexually assaulted a woman on board the 501 Queen car near John Street, ran off. Then, the driver tried to chase him down, leaving the streetcar abandoned.  

The driver claims he called transit control before going after the suspect, but the TTC claims they have no record of that happening, which led to the disciplinary action.

Speaking to NewsTalk 1010's Friendly Fire Friday evening, TTC spokesperson Brad Ross thinks it was not a wise decision on his part.

"That is not something we permit. That's the role of police of course, in these situations. Transit control needs to be notified and then police are notified and the streetcar is kept secure by the driver to ensure that our customers are safe. Something could happen on the car while the driver is away from it."

He goes on to say, "We don't want our operators inserting themselves into situations that could spin out of control. That's the job of police, to pursue potential sex assault suspects"

TTC union boss Bob Kinnear is defending the driver, saying he should be commended, not punished for his actions.

Police confirm that there were 911 calls placed about this incident, but no arrest has been made.