A wave of concern is sweeping through Toronto following the charges laid against two young girls, aged 12 and 14, in connection with a series of alleged assaults targeting members of the East Asian community.
The incidents, all occurring on February 20th, unfolded across a concentrated area of the city, beginning around 5:58 p.m. near King Street East and George Street with a victim kicked from behind.
Minutes later, another individual walking near King Street East and Sherbourne Street was allegedly assaulted and subjected to racial slurs before the assailants fled. The attacks reveal a disturbing pattern of violence and prejudice.
The final reported incident took place at approximately 9:16 p.m. at Wellesley Station, where a commuter was struck in the head while riding an escalator. The two accused are alleged to have immediately left the station following the attack.
Investigators are treating these assaults as hate crimes motivated by anti-East Asian bias, a designation that underscores the severity and targeted nature of the alleged offenses. The community is understandably shaken.
A 14-year-old female was arrested on Monday and faces two counts of assault, while a 12-year-old female was taken into custody on Wednesday, charged with three counts. Due to the Youth Criminal Justice Act, their identities cannot be released.
Police are actively investigating the possibility of additional victims, urging anyone with information to come forward. The focus remains on identifying and supporting anyone else who may have been targeted.
Meanwhile, in Oshawa, authorities are investigating a dramatic house explosion that occurred on Saturday evening. Emergency services responded to reports of a fully engulfed residence near Gibbons Street and Annapolis Avenue around 10:05 p.m. on February 21st.
Firefighters worked swiftly to extinguish the blaze, while police managed traffic control. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the explosion, a fact that offers a small measure of relief amidst the destruction.
Durham Police are appealing to the public for any information related to the incident, specifically requesting cellphone, dashcam, or surveillance footage that might shed light on the cause of the explosion. The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding the Oshawa explosion is encouraged to contact Detective Constable Park or submit anonymous tips through Durham Regional Crime Stoppers. The search for answers continues.
