Police charge man after alleged “hate-motivated” incident near Danforth and Logan avenues

A 43-year-old-man has been arrested and charged in what Toronto police are calling an alleged “hate-motivated” incident earlier this week in East Toronto.

According to police, a man was working in the Danforth Avenue and Logan Avenue area on Tuesday, Oct. 13, when he was approached by another man. The man allegedly made anti-immigrant and anti-South Asian remarks directed at the man who was working before assaulting him, said police.

The victim called 9-1-1, and officers arrived while the other man was still at the scene.

Christopher Lawson, 43, of Toronto has been arrested and charged with offence motivated by hatred related to an assault with a weapon, and breach of probation. The investigation is being treated as a hate-motivated offence, said police in a news release on Wednesday, Oct. 14.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-3505.

In the news release, police said:

“When suspected hate-motivated offences are reported to police, the investigation is led by the Hate Crime Unit (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.”