Durham Police yesterday said a man is facing charges of mischief and assault after damaging a Palestinian flag in Pickering.
On Tuesday, October 17 at about 6 pm, members from West Division responded to the area of Finch Avenue and Brock Road in Pickering for reports of an armed person.
A male reportedly entered the driveway of a residential home and ripped a Palestinian flag off a vehicle while leaving behind a note with an offensive message, said a police statement.
When the home owner confronted the male, a struggle ensued and the victim suffered a minor injury to his hand from the suspect’s key. Witnesses restrained the suspect and called police. Police arrived on scene and the male was arrested without incident.
The 63-year old suspect of Pickering was charged and released on an undertaking. Name and further details available at www.drps.ca.
Hate Crime?
“In light of the recent global events that have amplified concerns and uncertainties, we want to reassure our community that we are deeply committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of all our residents,” said the statement. “We are actively collaborating with our faith-based leaders and communities to foster understanding and unity. As a police organization, our responsibility lies in assessing situations and, where warranted, filing charges.”
Pursuant to the Criminal Code of Canada Durham Police is currently in communication with the Ministry of Attorney General’s office to ascertain if the charges meet the threshold for a hate crime. Further information will be released as it becomes available, it said.
The said for more information on hate crime click here.
Anyone with new information about this incident is asked to contact D/Cst. Chrzan of the West Division Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-579-1520 ext. 2565.
Editor’s Note: Durham Post does not name the accused as:
1. Of this time, they are suspects and not convicted,
2. Sometimes charges are dropped or amended, and
3. Charges are not proven in court.
Related Story
You May Also Want To Read
Temporary waste drop-off centre opens this morning in Whitby
Victim found in hospital after reports of gunshots in Whitby