Charges laid after Calgary pride crosswalk defaced with hateful message

Aug 21 2019, 7:51 pm

The Calgary Police Service (CPS) reports that they have laid charges in one of the two vandalism incidents that took place over the past week.

On Sunday, August 18, at approximately 8:20 am, Calgary’s pride crosswalk was defaced with a hateful homophobic comment. The CPS released photos of the individual who they believe to be responsible for the vandalism.

A suspect-in-question related to a weekend vandalism incident in Calgary (CPS)

The suspect in question allegedly defacing Calgary’s Pride Crosswalk (CPS)

The suspect in question has since been identified as 54-year-old Kevin James Gavel. According to investigators, during an interview with Gavel, they determined that “there was sufficient evidence to support a hate bias motivation for this offence.”

The CPS says in an update that he has been charged with one count of mischief, for his alleged actions, with a court appearance scheduled for October 1, 2019.

Gavel is also not allowed to be within 500 metres of the Pride and Trans Crosswalks and the area of 8th Avenue and Centre Street.

“The case will proceed as a hate crime file and be designated to a Specialized Crime Crown Prosecutor,” said the CPS.

One individual still remains at large, however, for another act of vandalism that took place on August 14.

The incident, which is believed to be unrelated to the prior case, was captured on CCTV. The suspect is seen setting up orange road cones and a “road closed” sign before defacing the crosswalk.

The suspect in question also interacted with a motorist and that there were several taxi drivers and a jogger in the area at the time of the incident

Anyone with information about the vandalism is asked to call the Calgary Police Service at 403-266-1234.

Vincent PlanaVincent Plana

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