Since June 12, 2022, 1 District detectives with the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) have been investigating multiple incidents of hate related vandalism that occurred in St. Catharines.
As a result of that investigation detectives were able to identify two suspects.
On August 20, 2022, detectives arrested a 14-year-old male from St. Catharines. He was charged with the criminal offence of:
Mischief Under $5000 (13 Counts)
On August 21, 2022, detectives arrested a 15-year-old male from Niagara Falls. He was charged with the criminal offence of:
Mischief Under $5000 (13 Counts)
Both males were released on Form 10 Undertakings to their respective parents / guardians. They will appear at future courts dates.
The Youth Criminal Justice Act of Canada prohibits the NRPS from releasing the identity of charged young persons.
The NRPS takes hate/bias related crimes seriously and encourages the community to step forward and report. For more information, please visit: NRPS Report Hate
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact detectives by calling 905-688-4111, 1024233.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.
Click Here For Crime Stoppers Online
2022-63176
Original Release – June 15, 2022
Officers from the 1 District St. Catharines office of the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) are investigating a series of vandalism incidents which included racist and homophobic words and explicit images.
On June 12, 2022, at approximately 8:00am, 1 District – St. Catharines uniform officers responded to a report of spray paint damage on a home on George Street near Catherine Street in St. Catharines. Racist and homophobic words had been sprayed on the house siding using blue and orange paint.
Officers continued to investigate in the area finding multiple vehicles, and buildings were targeted including the exterior of Harriet Tubman School at 84 Henry Street. A statue of Harriet Tubman on the property was vandalized with paint. The investigation has determined the vandalism at the school occurred at approximately 9:55pm on June 11, 2022.
Officers were able to be locate 13 incidents of damage to property. Damaged property includes:
2 – School buses 6- Passenger vehicles 3- Residential homes 1- Business 1- Elementary school (statue, sign, school exterior)
Collective damages are estimated at more than $5000.
The investigation by detectives has located footage of the two unknown suspects.
Suspect #1 is described as:
Male, medium build, wearing light coloured pants, light coloured sweater, baseball hat, and black Nike shoes (used his left hand).
Suspect #2 is described as:
Male, thin build, wearing a striped hooded sweater, pants, light coloured shoes, and a flat brimmed baseball hat
The suspects are believed to have traveled in the area on foot or bicycle. The suspects were on George Street, Catherine Street, Albert Street, Henry Street, and Louisa Street. Anyone (residents or businesses) in the above area with closed circuit security cameras, doorbell video cameras, or dash cameras are asked to review their footage for suspicious activity for the period between June 11, 2022, 9:00pm and 1:00am on June 12, 2022.
The NRPS recognizes the harmful impact this crime has on members of our community and are working diligently to bring those responsible before the courts to be held accountable.
The investigation has been assigned to detectives from the 1 District detective office. They are being assisted by officers from the NRPS Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Unit. Anyone with information is asked to call 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009482
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.
Click Here For Crime Stoppers Online
2022-63176