Father and Son Arrested in Separate Hate-Motivated Incidents

A father and son have been arrested after police executed a search warrant at a home in Clarington. 

On Thursday, January 30, 2025, at approximately 5:25 p.m., an unknown male entered the Canadian Tire located at 2000 Green Road in Bowmanville. The male was observed on CCTV footage placing antisemitic pamphlets in various places throughout the store.  The pamphlets were located by store employees and turned over to police.

On Saturday, May 24, 2025, at approximately 10:30 p.m., members from East Division responded to reports of hate-motivated incidents at a mosque located at 111 Church St North in Orono. Information was received that several vehicles were vandalized, as well as the front door. 

On June 9, 2025 members of East Division Criminal Investigation Branch, along with members of the DRPS Hate Crime Unit, executed two Criminal Code Search warrants at a residence in Orono. Two males were taken into custody without incident. Several items were seized during the execution of the warrant.

A 34-year-old male from Clarington has been charged with Mischief to Property. 

A 14-year-old male from Clarington has been charged with Mischief Relating to Religious Property. 

Both males were released on an Undertaking.

We recognize the significant impact these incidents have had on our community, particularly among members of the Jewish and Muslim communities. Acts that target or instill fear in any group are unacceptable and are taken very seriously. We remain committed to ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of everyone in our community. We are working closely with community leaders to provide support and reassurance, and we stand firmly against hate, discrimination, and intolerance in all forms.

Hate Crime is not a charge in the Criminal Code of Canada. There are four offences in the Code that specifically pertain to hate. Consultations will take place with the Crown Attorney’s Office to determine whether hate was an aggravating factor. “Hate crime” is not a standalone charge; instead, if a crime is motivated by hate, that factor can be considered during sentencing to increase the severity of the penalty. For more information: https://www.drps.ca/community-safety-and-support/hate-crime/

Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact the East Division Criminal Investigations Branch at 1-888-579-1520 at ext. 1600.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.

The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation.  These allegations have yet to be proven in court.