Three people have been charged following three separate incidents that occurred during a demonstration outside a Thornhill synagogue last night.
The demonstration was held in the area of Clark Avenue West and Bathurst Street on Thursday, March 7, York Regional Police said.
In one incident, a man was observed by emergency response unit officers in the crowd carrying a knife.
Kevin Haas, 40, of Markham is charged with possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, police said.
In a second incident, a protester assaulted a woman.
Meir Gerichter, 32, of Vaughan is charged with assault, police said.
In a third incident, a man and woman became engaged in a verbal altercation. As the altercation escalated, the woman threatened to spray coyote repellent, which is similar to pepper spray, at the man.
Ina Sandler, 48, of Vaughan is charged with possess weapons dangerous to the public and assault with a weapon.
The York Regional Police hate crime prevention unit has been engaged, police said.
Any witnesses who have not yet spoken to investigators are urged to come forward, along with anyone who has video footage, including dashcam, cell phone, or security recordings from the area around the time of the incident.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the #2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866- 876-5423, ext. 7241, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
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