Male Arrested After Making Threats at Several Businesses in Whitby

A male is facing charges after making threats and hate related comments to several victims at numerous restaurants and parking lots in Whitby.

Between Wednesday, February 11 and Saturday, February 21, 2026, the suspect attended several Tim Hortons restaurants and parking lots in Whitby and made threats and hate related comments toward several employees and motorists.

On Saturday, February 21, 2026, the suspect was located in his vehicle in Whitby. A traffic stop was initiated and the suspect was taken into custody without incident.

No victims suffered any physical injuries.

James NEWLANDS, age 58 of No Fixed Address is charged with: Uttering Threats x5, and Criminal Harassment. 

He was held for a bail hearing.

Anyone with cell phone, dash cam, surveillance footage or information about this incident is asked to contact D/Cst. Taylor of the Hate Crime Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5800.

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. 

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