Male arrested, charged following ‘hate-motivated’ incident in mall parking lot

The Edmonton Police Service has arrested and charged a 41-year-old man in connection with a hate-motivated incident involving two women Tuesday evening in a southwest Edmonton mall parking lot.

On Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020, at approximately 3:40 p.m., Southwest Division patrol officers responded to an assault in progress call in the Southgate Centre parking lot, 5015 111 St.

Upon arrival, it was reported to police that a male had approached two Somali female complainants wearing hijabs sitting in their vehicle, then began yelling racially-motivated obscenities at the women.

Witnesses told police the male then allegedly proceeded to punch the passenger side window causing it to shatter. Fearing for her safety, the passenger then ran from the vehicle. The male ran after the complainant, pushed her to the ground and began assaulting her. The second female attempted to assist and was also shoved to the ground by the accused, before several citizens intervened and stopped the attack.

“The attack on these women is horrific and our hearts go out to them,” says Sgt. Gary Willits, of the EPS Hate Crime and Violent Extremism Unit. “These individuals were targeted due to their race, therefore making this a hate-motivated crime. As such, we are utilizing Section 718.2 of the Criminal Code of Canada, which allows courts to consider increased sentencing.”

Police arrived on scene shortly thereafter and took the male into custody. Investigators have since charged Richard Stevens, 41, of Edmonton, with two counts of assault and one count of mischief. EPS Hate Crimes and Violent Extremism Unit is working with the investigators.

 

from Media Releases https://ift.tt/3gzJ54q