Man allegedly tossed rocks through East York church window three times
· Toronto Sun
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A 56-year-old man is accused of throwing rocks through windows of an East York church on three separate occasions within eight days.
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And investigators are treating the incidents as a suspected case of hate-motivated mischief.
Toronto Police say the first incident happened at the church near Pape and Cosburn Aves. on July 24 and allegedly saw a man throw a rock through a window, “causing damage to the religious property.”
The man allegedly returned to the same church a week later, on Friday, and again threw a rock through a window, causing further damage.
Then on Saturday, just a day later, police said officers were in the vicinity and allegedly spotted the same man throwing yet another rock through a window of the same church.
A suspect was arrested at the scene.
Khaliq Hussain Anwar, of Toronto, is charged with three counts of mischief relating to religious property.
He was scheduled to appear in court for a bail hearing on Saturday.
“When suspected hate-motivated offences are reported to police, the investigation is led by the Hate Crime Unit,” police explained in a statement released Saturday.
“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,” police said. “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,” police said, adding “these charges are often laid at a later time.”
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to call police at 416-808-3505 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).