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 have charged a man after damage was done across the rainbow crosswalk 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 tire marks.
Investigators released photos of the vehicle and received information and tips from members of our community that assisted in the investigation. Hate Crime Unit investigators identified the vehicle and the suspect. On Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020, he was arrested and is now facing charges.
Charged:
• Phillip Simmons, 44, Town of Newmarket
Charge:
• Mischief x2
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.
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