Community tips lead to arrest in series of hate-motivated incidents in Vaughan

Police allege the accused is responsible for hate-motivated graffiti referencing both the Black and Jewish communities

Newmarkettoday.com
October 22, 2020

Investigators with the York Regional Police Hate Crime Unit and the #4 District Criminal Investigations Bureau are thanking the community after an arrest was made in a series of hate-motivated incidents in the City of Vaughan.

In September, a member of the public contacted police after a stranger began yelling anti-Semitic remarks at him while he was driving his vehicle in the area of New Westminster Drive and Steeles Avenue. When the victim began filming him, a suspect approached and attempted to assault him.

On Oct. 18, 2020, with help from the community and media, investigators received tips and information leading to the arrest of Kurt Edwards and a further six incidents were identified and connected to the same suspect. The incidents, in the Mullen Drive neighbourhood, involved hate-motivated graffiti, referencing both the Black and Jewish communities.

Charged:Kurt Edwards, 43, of no fixed address

Charges:
Mischief to property under $5,000 x 7
Assault
Fail to comply with probation order

“The result of this investigation is a fine example of the community working together with our investigators to tackle hate-motivated crime in our region,” said Chief Jim MacSween. “York Regional Police does not tolerate hate crime in any form and will ensure those individuals who commit these types of crimes are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Anyone with information can contact the York Regional Police #4 District Criminal Investigation Bureau at 1-866-876-5423 ext. 7441, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, leave an anonymous tip online.