Update - Suspect Charged in Hate-Motivated Assaults

Investigators with the York Regional Police Hate Crime Unit have charged a suspect and are appealing for additional victims in connection to hate-motivated assaults in the City of Vaughan and the City of Markham.

On Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at approximately 8:45 p.m., officers responded to an assault in the area of Major Mackenzie Drive West and Amusement Drive. The suspect approached the victim, made a racial comment, assaulted the victim and fled the area on foot.

On Thursday, June 11, 2026, at approximately 2:50 p.m., the same suspect approached a second victim in the area of Weston Road and Starling Boulevard. The suspect assaulted the victim, made a racial comment and again fled on foot.

Investigators have determined the suspect was responsible for two additional hate-motivated assault, one on June 18, 2026, in the area of Bass Pro Mills Drive and Fishermens Way, and another on July 2, 2026, in the area of McCowan Road and Southdale Drive in the City of Markham.

As a result of the continued investigation, the suspect was identified by the York Regional Police #4 District Criminal Investigations Bureau and arrested on July 10, 2026.

Investigators are releasing an image of the suspect because they believe there may be additional victims and are encouraging them to come forward.

At the time of the incidents, SAJID was on probation for unrelated offences. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Hate Crime Prevention Unit by calling 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6552 or by email at hatecrime@yrp.ca. Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS or by visiting www.1800222tips.com.

Crime prevention is our shared responsibility: Find up-to-date crime data in York Region on the Community Safety Data Portal, or become a partner in community safety by signing up for the Security Camera Registry today.