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Damage to Aurora's new rainbow crosswalk is hate-motivated crime, police say

York Regional Police have released photographs of the truck wanted in connection with the Aug. 20 midnight incident at Yonge and Wellington
NewmarketToday Staff

NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
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Investigators with the York Regional Police Hate Crime Unit and the #1 District Criminal Investigations Bureau are appealing for witnesses after a hate-motivated incident in the Town of Aurora.

On Friday, Aug. 21, 2020, York Regional Police received a report from staff with the Town of Aurora regarding a suspected hate crime incident following the unveiling of the new rainbow crosswalk located at Yonge Street and Wellington Road. Officers learned that just before midnight on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020, a pickup truck drove over the crosswalk and left black tire skid marks over the rainbow area then returned a short time later and left some more. Investigators believe that the marks were done intentionally and this is being investigated as a hate-motivated incident.

Suspect Vehicle

  • Light-coloured pick-up truck

Investigators are asking any witnesses, anyone with information or anyone with dashcam or video surveillance footage in that area, to please come forward.

York Regional Police does not tolerate hate crime in any form. Those who victimize individuals based on race, national or ethnic origin, language, colour, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or mental or physical disability will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Anyone with information can contact the York Regional Police #1 District Criminal Investigation Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7141, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.

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