Male Facing Charges for Mischief and Assault after Incident in Pickering

A Pickering man is facing charges of mischief and assault after damaging a Palestinian flag in Pickering.

On Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at approximately 6:00 p.m., members from West Division responded to the area of Finch Avenue and Brock Road in Pickering for reports of an armed person.  An unknown male reportedly entered the driveway of a residential home and ripped a Palestinian flag off a vehicle while leaving behind a note with an offensive message.   When the home owner confronted the male, a struggle ensued and the victim suffered a minor injury to his hand from the suspect’s key. Witnesses restrained the suspect and called police.  Police arrived on scene and the male was arrested without incident.

Howard COOPER, age 63 of Pickering is charged with Assault with a Weapon and Mischief.

He was released on an Undertaking.

In light of the recent global events that have amplified concerns and uncertainties, we want to reassure our community that we are deeply committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of all our residents. We are actively collaborating with our faith-based leaders and communities to foster understanding and unity.  As a police organization, our responsibility lies in assessing situations and, where warranted, filing charges. Pursuant to the Criminal Code of Canada we are currently in communication with the Ministry of Attorney General’s office to ascertain if the charges meet the threshold for a hate crime.

Further information will be released as it becomes available.

For more information on hate crime please click here.

Anyone with new information about this incident is asked to contact D/Cst. Chrzan of the West Division Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-579-1520 ext. 2565.

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 $2,000 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.