Investigators with the York Regional Police Hate Crime Bureau are seeking a suspect and witnesses after an assault that is believed to be hate-motivated occurred in the City of Markham.
On Saturday, September 25, 2021, at approximately 10 a.m., officers responded to a report of an assault at a high school track in the area of Bayview Avenue and Willowbrook Road.
Officers learned that the female victim had confronted a male suspect at the track for having his dog off leash. The victim followed the suspect and began filming him as he made anti-Asian remarks. During the confrontation, the victim was assaulted.
Investigators are asking anyone who witnesses the incident or anyone who can identify the suspect to please come forward.
Suspect described as:
Male, Middle Eastern
50 to 60
Wearing a black toque, black jacket and sunglasses
Walking the brown dog shown in the photos
York Regional Police does not tolerate hate crime in any form. Those who victimize others based on race, national or ethnic origin, language, colour, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression sexual orientation, or mental or physical disability will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Anyone with information can contact the York Regional Police Hate Crime Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6552, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
Prepared by: Constable Laura Nicolle