Photo: Suspect to be identififed of Hate-Motivated Assault with a Weapon Investigation,
Bloor Street West and Dufferin Street area.
The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance identifying a male wanted in a suspected hate-motivated assault with a weapon investigation.
On Monday, July 22, 2024, officers responded to a call for a person with a knife in the Bloor Street West and Dufferin Avenue area.
It is alleged that the victims were approached by the suspect and the suspect made anti-South Asian slurs before producing a knife and threatening the victims. The victims left the area and flagged down a police officer. The suspect is believed to have been involved in two other similar incidents.
The suspect is described as 5’9″-5’10”, medium build with a goatee and facial hair. The suspect was wearing a navy-blue and black top, navy blue shorts and a navy blue baseball cap.
This investigation is being treated as a suspected hate-motivated offence.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-3500, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.
When suspected hate-motivated offences are reported to police, the investigation could be led by a Divisional investigator with the support of the Hate Crime Unit (HCU), or in some cases, will be investigated exclusively by the HCU.
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 may 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.
Wilful promotion of hatred and advocating genocide are hate propaganda (hate speech) offences which require the Attorney General’s consent to lay charges. These charges are often laid at a later time.
