Police say assault at subway station being investigated as possible hate crime

Toronto police say they’re treating an assault at Bloor-Yonge Subway station on Wednesday as “a suspected hate-motivated offence.”

Officers were called to the station at around 8:30 a.m. after reports that a man struck someone on the head, knocking their religious head covering to the ground.

“The man made derogatory comments towards the victim and left the area,” police said in a release.

The suspect (pictured below) is described as wearing a blue hat with a black jacket and carrying a black bag.

“After consultation with the Service’s specialized Hate Crime Unit, the investigation is being treated as a suspected hate-motivated offence,” police said.

Toronto Mayor John Tory addressed the incident in a tweet on Wednesday evening.

“Our transit system – and city at large – must be safe places for all and free of hatred, without exception. Hateful acts like this are totally unacceptable.” Tory wrote.