Toronto police seek suspect in alleged hate-motivated assault in restaurant
The Toronto Police Service is seeking the public’s help to identify a suspect in an alleged hate-motivated assault investigation.
On August 8, 2024, at 6:47 p.m., police responded to a reported hate crime in the Queen Street East and Maclean Avenue area. Police allege the suspect:
- engaged in a verbal altercation with the victim inside a restaurant.
- made racial slurs towards the victim.
- assaulted the victim with an object.
- fled the scene.
The suspect is described as approximately 60 years old, 5’7″, thin build, wearing a blue sweater, khaki shorts, baseball cap, white running shoes, and carrying a black bucket and shopping trolley.
This case is being investigated as a suspected hate-motivated offence.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police at 416-808-3500, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or visit www.222tips.com
UPDATE: In a news release on the afternoon of Wednesday, Aug. 14, Toronto police said a 65-year-old man had been arrested and charged in connection with the alleged incident. John Evely, 65, is charged with assault with a weapon and assault. Police said in the news release that an additional outstanding warrant was also executed for an unrelated incident.
According to the Aug. 14 news release:
“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.”
