Person to be Identified in a Suspected Hate-Motivated Assault Investigation, Mutual Street and Carlton Street area

Person to be Identified in a Suspected Hate-Motivated Assault Investigation, 
Mutual Street and Carlton Street area

Broadcast time: 08:27 AM
Date: Thursday, May 16, 2024
Unit: Intelligence Services
Case #: 2024-875724

The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public's assistance identifying a man wanted in a suspected hate-motivated assault investigation.

On Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at approximately 8:38 a.m., police responded to a call for an assault in the Mutual Street and Carlton Street area.

It is reported that:

• the victim was walking in the area when they were approached by the suspect
• the two parties got into a verbal argument, at which point the suspect made threatening and homophobic comments towards the victim
• the suspect assaulted the victim before walking away

The suspect is described as 5'10", 30-40-years-old, with light brown hair, and a red/brown beard. He was wearing reading glasses, a black wool jacket, light-coloured suit, blue shirt, white shoes and had a black briefcase. 

An image has been released.

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.

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Constable Laura Brabant for Detective Kelly Lukas

Images for this release are available on our website.