Stock photo (found in the FM 101 Milton files)
An Oakville man has been arrested and charged in relation to a series of hate-motivated offences.
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) says that over the past several months, they’ve been investigating a series of anti-2SLGBTQI+ messages and slurs spray painted onto buildings, and imagery such as swastikas carved into windows and mirrors.
The locations where this damage occurred includes two churches, a public library, a public school, and a local business.
On Tuesday, October 17th, 28-year-old Neil Jensen was arrested in connection to these offences.
He has been charged with the following:
- Mischief Under $5000 (six counts)
- Uttering Death Threats
- Fail to Comply with Release Order (eight counts)
The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.
Investigators believe these incidents were motivated by bias, prejudice, or hate, and are being investigated as hate crimes.
“Hate has no place in our communities,” the HRPS says in a release. “[The Halton Police] encourage residents to report incidents they believe to be motivated by hate or bias to Halton Regional Police Service either through our non-emergency line (905-825-4777), or in an emergency, through 911.”
Anyone with information regarding the investigation is asked to contact the 2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777 ext. 2216.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
