Hateful incidents targeting the Asian Community, police seeking witnesses

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, May 5, 2020   4:05pm 

(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police is currently investigating hate motivated incidents in the area of Viewmount Drive and Four Seasons Drive in Ottawa’s west end. 

Within the last week, there have been at least two incidents involving a grey, newer model, Hyundai Elantra.  The vehicle and its occupants have been approaching pedestrians of Asian descent and yelling racial slurs, obscenities and swearing at them. In all of the incidents, witnesses describe occupants in the vehicle as an older Caucasian male and an older Caucasian female. 

These incidents are possibly related to the COVID-19 Pandemic which has resulted in an increase in acts and displays of prejudice, xenophobia and discrimination that has, in some cases, led to violence against Asian Canadians. 

The Ottawa Police is aware of similar incidents in other jurisdictions. In partnership with the community, the Service will make every effort to educate, report and investigate these hateful incidents fully.

Investigators are looking to speak with anyone who may have witnessed these incidents or who has information about the vehicle and occupants. Anyone with information is asked to call the Detective Ali Toghrol of the Ottawa Police Service Hate Crime Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5453. 

Anonymous tips can be submitted by Calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca.

- 30 -

CONTACT:

Media Relations Section

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366