FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, March 27, 2018 9:10am
(Ottawa)—The Ottawa Police Service Robbery Unit is investigating a weekend swarming that would appear to have racial overtones.
On March 23, 2018, at approximately 11: 25pm, the male victim had left his place of employment near the Westgate Mall, and was waiting for a bus at Carling/Merivale.
The victim was approached by two suspects, who asked the victim about his ethnicity, and about cutting his beard and hair. The two suspects left but then returned and asked for change. The suspects started to make racial slurs, and one suspect produced al knife. The victim ran to a nearby business but could not gain entry through the locked doors. The victim was assaulted by the two suspects, dragged on the ground, and threatened. The victim sustained minor injuries, and was treated at the scene by paramedics. The suspects removed and stole the victim’s turban, as well as his phone and bus pass.
The two suspects are described as follows:
- #1: Caucasian male, in his 20's, approximately 5'10” (178 cm), clean shaven, short blonde/brown hair. He was wearing a orange type sweatshirt, blue jeans, and runners.
- #2: Caucasian male, in his 20's, approximately 5'6” (168 cm), clean shaven. He was wearing blue track pants or PJ's
Part of the investigation that will be taking place will be to ascertain if this was a hate-motivated crime.
Anyone with information regarding this robbery, or any other robbery, is asked to call the Ottawa Police's Robbery Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5116. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or by downloading the Ottawa Police app.
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CONTACT:
S/Sgt. Michael Haarbosch
Robbery/Break & Enter Units
Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5445