NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
**************************
Investigators with the York Regional Police Hate Crime Unit and the #5 District Criminal Investigations Bureau have charged a 39-year-old man following hate-motivated crimes in the City of Markham.
On Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, York Regional Police attended the Unionville Montessori School, located at 4486 16th Avenue, for a report of vandalism. It was discovered that a mural featuring the quote “Be the Change”, along with images of Black Lives Matter, an Indigenous leader and the LGBTQ pride rainbow, had been vandalized numerous times over the summer with white spray paint. The vandalism appeared to have been targeted and motivated by hate.
Investigators were able to identify a suspect and on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020, he was placed under arrest.
Charged:
- Yuan Ma, 39, City of Markham
Charge:
- Mischief
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 #5 District Criminal Investigation Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7541, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
**************************
