Ben Johnson Assaulted in Toronto

Olympic sprinter Ben Johnson, the focus of a Canadian government inquiry into the use of drugs in sports, suffered minor injuries when he was assaulted outside a nightclub early Thursday morning, police said.

Johnson’s attorney, Ed Futerman, said the five male attackers had recognized the Canadian athlete, who was stripped of his gold medal in the 100-meter dash at the Seoul Olympics because he tested positive for steroids.

Police said the incident occurred at about 2 a.m., EDT, just after Johnson and fellow Canadian athletes Mark McKoy and Desai Williams had left a nightclub in the city’s swank Yorkville district.

Johnson, who was driving his mother’s car, slowed to allow a group of pedestrians to cross the street. As they were crossing, a man banged on the car, police said.

When Johnson got out of the car to challenge the men, he was punched in the face, according to police, who said another man then jumped on the hood of the car and kicked in the windshield, causing about $700 in damage.

Johnson chased a suspect and held him until police arrived, Sgt. David Donald said.

McKoy also chased a suspect, police said. The three other men ran away, police said.

John Cesar, 24, was charged with mischief over $1,000. Police were looking for the man they said assaulted Johnson.

Johnson was treated in a hospital for a broken tooth and swollen lip and was released.