Two youths charged in relation to a hate/bias-motivated incident

Release Date: February 3, 2023

23-2759

An investigation by Kingston Police Hate Crimes Officer and Youth Officer has led to the arrest of two youths in relation to a hate/bias-motivated incident.

The first incident occurred on January 16, 2023 when the victim boarded a Kingston Transit Bus and sat near the back. While the victim was seated alone, two youths approached and began harassing the victim. The older youth made a racial slur and at the encouragement of the younger youth began touching and slapping the victims head.

On January 30, 2023 the victim was on another Kingston Transit bus when the same two youths came on board. After a confrontation the victim overhead a threating remark while exiting the bus.

With the assistance of Kingston Transit the youths were identified by Kingston Police and on February 2, 2023 both youths were located and arrested. The youths were transported to police headquarters where they were later released with a future court date.

A 14-year-old local youth and 13-year-old local youth, were charged with Assault, and Harassment by Threatening Conduct.

Anyone with information, is asked to please contact Detective Stefan Walker at 613-549-4660 ext. 6332 or via email at swalker@kingstonpolice.ca.

You can also provide tips anonymously via:

• By calling our general number 613-549-4660 ext. 0 and asking to remain anonymous.
• By calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS)

Have you been affected by a hate/bias-motivated incident?

Please see our Hate Crimes page to learn how you can report the incident. If you are looking for support or advice please reach out to our EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Officer.