UPDATE, SEPT. 29: A 70-year-old Markham man is facing an assault charge in connection with a incident that York Regional Police said was hate-motivated.
A tip from the community led to the arrest of Parviz Almassi Gouran following the release of a man's photograph to media and the public on Sept. 27 regarding the assault of a woman by a man walking his dog on a high school track in Markham on Saturday, Sept. 25.
Investigators with the force's hate crime bureau made the arrest.
NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
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Investigators with the York Regional Police Hate Crime Bureau are seeking a suspect and witnesses after an assault that is believed to be hate-motivated occurred in the City of Markham. On Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, at approximately 10 a.m., officers responded to a report of an assault at a high school track in the area of Bayview Avenue and Willowbrook Road.
Officers learned that the female victim had confronted a male suspect at the track for having his dog off leash. The victim followed the suspect and began filming him as he made anti-Asian remarks. During the confrontation, the victim was assaulted. Investigators are asking anyone who witnesses the incident or anyone who can identify the suspect to please come forward.
- Suspect described as:
- Male,
- Middle Eastern
- 50 to 60
- Wearing a black toque, black jacket and sunglasses
- Walking the brown dog shown in the photos
York Regional Police does not tolerate hate crime in any form. Those who victimize others based on race, national or ethnic origin, language, colour, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression sexual orientation, or mental or physical disability will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Anyone with information can contact the York Regional Police Hate Crime Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6552, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
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