The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of two assaults in the
Lake Shore Boulevard West and Dwight Avenue area.
It is reported that:
- on Tuesday, August 25, 2020, in the
Lake Shore Boulevard West and First Street, a man approached a 21-year-old man
- the suspect, without warning, began to strike the 21-year-old man several times
- the suspect removed the man’s turban
- the suspect then began running eastbound on Lake Shore Boulevard West
The suspect is described as white, 5’6" to 5’9", wearing a dark colour hooded sweater, bright orange hat, dark pants and white shoes.
It is further reported that:
- on Monday, August 31, 2020, in the
Dwight Avenue and Birmingham Street area
- an unknown man approached a 23-year-old man
- he began striking him on his head
- the suspect then began running northbound on Dwight Avenue
The suspect is described as white, 20-25 years old, 5’8", 180 lbs, wearing a grey hooded sweater, grey sweat pants and a black baseball cap.
The same suspect is believed to be responsible for both attacks. Both victims are of South Asian decent.
An image of the suspect has been released in a bid to identify him.
Police are actively investigating these incidents as hate-motivated assaults. Officers from the Hate Crime Unit will continue to work with divisional officers to establish the full circumstances.
The investigation is on-going and anyone who may have witnessed the incident(s) or has information is urged to contact police.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at
www.222tips.com, online on our
Facebook Leave a Tip page, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes or Google Play.
For more news, visit
TPSnews.ca.
When suspected hate-motivated offences are reported to police, the investigation will be led by a divisional investigator. The Hate Crime Unit will be made aware and specialized officers from that unit will support the investigation as needed.
If it is alleged a criminal offence was committed (such as assault or mischief) and it is believed to have been motivated by bias, prejudice or hate, the officer-in-charge will consult with the Crown. If a person is charged and convicted of the offence, the Judge will take into consideration hate as an aggravating factor when imposing a sentence.
Willful promotion of hatred and advocating genocide are hate propaganda (hate speech) offences which require the Attorney General’s consent. Members of the Hate Crime Unit will provide assistance and support to the divisional investigators in seeking the Attorney General’s consent to lay these charges, if applicable. These charges are often laid at a later time.