Pickup truck occupants sought for hate crime assault

Occurrence #24-19136

Kingston Police are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the occupants of a pickup truck after a couple were the victims of a random assault and hate crime during Pride Month.

On Saturday, June 8, 2024, at approximately 4:15 p.m., the two women were walking towards downtown Kingston on the south sidewalk of Princess St near Nelson St, with both wearing t-shirts with Pride colours or designs.

Coming from behind the pedestrians was a grey pickup truck with at least three occupants inside. A passenger threw a large cup of ice water in their direction, striking one of the women in the face and causing a minor injury. As the cup was thrown by a male in the front passenger seat, a derogatory homophobic slur was yelled by one of the occupants before it continued to leave the area east on Princess St. It is believed another male in the right rear passenger seat was holding what appeared to be a camera out of the window while possibly filming the encounter.

The pickup truck is believed to be similar to a newer model Nissan Frontier or Titan, with black roof rails, what appears to be a white sticker on the bottom left side of the rear window, and a decal on the right rear side, possibly “PRO-4X” for the Nissan trim level. The male in the front passenger seat was wearing a black t-shirt and black hat.

Detectives are asking for any information on the suspect truck in question, providing either a licence plate or frequented location if a community member believes it may have been involved. Additionally, if this vehicle is known, providing the names of any drivers or usual passengers would also be of value.

Lastly, while nearby businesses have already been canvassed, proprietors, homeowners, or residents in the area are asked to still review any video surveillance footage to assist in the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Carolyn Gauthier via email at cgauthier@kingstonpolice.ca or by calling 613-549-4660 ext. 6306.