Friday, May 19, 2023

Arrest made in Hate-Motivated Harassment Investigation, Michael Park, 34

 


Arrest made in Hate-Motivated Harassment Investigation,
Michael Park, 34
Broadcast time: 01:30 PM
Date: Friday, May 19, 2023
Unit: 51 Division
Phone: 4168085100
Case #: N/A

The Toronto Police Service has made an arrest in a hate-motivated harassment investigation.

On Sunday, May 14, 2023, a family was confronted by a man in the Bloor Street East and Church Street area. 

It is alleged that:

  • a man followed the victims while harassing them and yelling anti-Semitic slurs

Investigators identified the man and he was arrested.

Michael Park, 34, of Toronto, has been charged with:

  1. four counts of Criminal Harassment 

He was scheduled to attend court on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at Toronto Regional Bail Centre, room 205.

After consultation with the Service's specialized Hate Crime Unit, this investigation is being treated as hate motivated.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.

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.

Wilful 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.

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Constable Sinderela Chung for Detective Jennifer Reed-Pyefinch 

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