Toronto Police Service
www.tps.ca
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News Release
Suspect Sought in Suspected Hate-Motivated Mischief Investigations, Bathurst Street and Dewlane Drive area and Bayview and Fifeshire Road area, Images released
Broadcast time: 04:00 PM
Date: Sunday, Jun 30, 2024
Unit: Intelligence Services
Case #: 2024-1424403
The Toronto Police Service is seeking a suspect wanted in two suspected hate-motivated mischief investigations.
On Sunday, June 30, 2024 at 3:02 a.m., Toronto Police received a call for an insecure premise in the Bathurst Street and Dewlane Drive area.
It is reported that:
a person threw rocks through the front windows of a synagogue
the person fled the area on a motorcycle, travelling westbound on Lissom Crescent
It is further reported that:
at 3:30 a.m., a person threw a rock through a window of a synagogue located in the Bayview Avenue and Fifeshire Road area
the person fled the area on a motorcycle, travelling northbound on Bayview Ave
Investigators believe the same person is responsible for both incidents. The suspect is described as 5’7-5’9, wearing a light coloured jacket, and a black helmet with a visor.
Images have been released.
This investigation is being treated as a suspected hate-motivated offence. Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in both areas.
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.
Constable Ashley Visser for Detective Timothy Walther
Images for this release are available on our website.
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https://www.tps.ca/