A father and son from Clarington have been arrested in connection with two separate hate-motivated incidents that took place earlier this year according to Durham Region Police.
The service says the first incident occurred on January 30, when a 14-year-old boy was allegedly caught on security footage placing antisemitic pamphlets throughout a Canadian Tire store in Bowmanville. The pamphlets were later discovered by employees and turned over to police.
The second incident took place on May 24, when several vehicles and the front door of a mosque in Orono were vandalised. Investigators later connected the 34-year-old father to the crime.
On June 9, police executed two search warrants at a home in Orono. Both suspects were arrested without incident and several items were seized. The teen has been charged with mischief relating to religious property, while his father faces a charge of mischief to property. Both were released on undertakings.
Police say they recognize the emotional toll these acts have had on the Jewish and Muslim communities, and remain committed to supporting those affected. They also note that while “hate crime” is not a standalone charge under Canadian law, hate can be considered an aggravating factor during sentencing.
More information is available at drps.ca.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
