Key Takeaways
- Three males allegedly assaulted a 26-year-old man on an Essa Road bus at about 7:15 p.m. on November 8, pushing and slapping him while making derogatory comments before pushing him
- About an hour later on a Yonge Street bus, a 22-year-old man's turban was removed and beer poured on him, his phone was thrown to the ground, and he was restrained and punched.
- The three suspects, ages 16, 18 and 19, were arrested from a taxi shortly before 9 p.m. and each charged with Offence Motivated by Hatred; neither victim was seriously injured.
Two buses, two victims, one hour — then an arrest from a taxi
Two men were attacked on Barrie buses within 75 minutes on Sunday evening. One had his turban removed and beer poured over him. The three suspects were eventually caught after fleeing in a taxi.
Barrie police say three males, including a 16-year-old, have been charged in connection with the two alleged hate-motivated assaults.
The first attack happened at about 7:15 p.m. on November 8, aboard a bus in the Essa Road area. Police say the suspects harassed a 26-year-old man, pushing and slapping him while making derogatory comments.
When he approached the bus driver for help, the suspects pushed him off the bus and onto the platform before fleeing.
An hour later, another attack
At around 8:30 p.m., the same three suspects allegedly approached a 22-year-old man aboard a bus on Yonge Street.
One suspect removed the man's turban and poured beer on him. When the victim attempted to call police, another suspect grabbed his cellphone and threw it to the ground.
The situation escalated when the victim approached the driver. Police say two suspects restrained him while the third punched him in the face and upper body.
Then came the getaway.
The three suspects fled in a nearby taxi, but officers located the vehicle near Simcoe and Mulcaster streets. All three were arrested shortly before 9 p.m.
Three charges, two victims
Neither victim sustained serious injuries.
The suspects, aged 16, 18 and 19, have each been charged with Offence Motivated by Hatred under the Criminal Code of Canada.
Police have not identified the accused. The charges have not been proven in court.
The Twikup Take
Two attacks, two victims and the same three suspects — all within 75 minutes.
Both victims approached bus drivers for help. In the second incident, the attack continued even as the victim tried to get assistance.
Public transit should never become a place where someone is targeted for who they are.
Image: Illustrative image.