Man charged after seven hate-crimes that included yelling, graffiti

A 43-year-old man has been arrested and charged following a series of hate-crimes in Vaughan.

According to York Regional Police, a man was driving in the area of New Westminster Drive and Steeles Avenue in September, when a stranger allegedly began yelling anti-Semitic remarks at him. When the victim began to film the incident, the suspect allegedly approached and attempted to assault him, according to investigators.

Thanks to assistance from the public, police say they were able to identify and arrest a suspect on October 18.

Following the arrest, an additional six incidents were identified and are “connected to the same suspect,” police said.

The incidents took place in the Mullen Drive neighbourhood and police say they involve “hate-motivated graffiti, referencing both the Black and Jewish communities.”

Kurt Edwards has been charged with seven counts of mischief to property under $5,000, one count of assault, and one count of failing 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 in the release.

“York Regional Police does not tolerate hate-crimes in any form and will ensure those individuals who commit these types of crimes are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”