Man charged following alleged anti-Asian hate crime in Etobicoke

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A 49-year-old man has been charged following an alleged hate-motivated assault that occurred in Etobicoke last month.

The Toronto Police Service (TPS) said the incident took place just before 1:30 pm on March 30, near Lakeshore Boulevard West and Superior Avenue in Mimico.

According to police, a 50-year-old woman was walking in the area when an unknown man approached her and allegedly made anti-Asian comments.

“After consultation with the service’s specialized hate crime unit, the assault is being treated as a hate crime,” police said.

On April 22, officers arrested Jeffrey Spanton and charged him with assault.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1100. Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers at 416-222-8477.

See also:
- Toronto firefighter charged with careless driving during emergency call
- Hate crimes spiked by 51% in Toronto last year: police

On Friday, Toronto Police released a report showing that hate crimes in the city jumped by 51% from 2019 to 2020.

A total of 15 anti-Asian and anti-Chinese hate crimes were reported to TPS last year, while three incidents were reported in 2019.

“Hate crimes not only victimize an individual, but also the entire group they identify with,” said Police Chief James Ramer.

“I want to make it clear. One hate crime is one too many.”