Male Attacked with Bear Spray in Hate/Bias Motivated Incident in Oshawa

Police are looking for a suspect after a male was sprayed with bear spray in a hate/bias motivated incident in Oshawa.

On Thursday, March 21, 2024, at approximately 6:05 p.m., members of Central East Division responded to an assault call in the area of Gibb Street and Stevenson Road South. The victim was seated in his vehicle in a parking lot when an unknown male approached him and knocked on his window. The victim lowered his window and the suspect sprayed him with bear spray while yelling racial slurs. The suspect fled the area prior to police arrival.

The victim sustained minor injuries.

The suspect is described as: male, White, approximately 35-40 years-old, with a thin build, wearing a black toque.

Anyone with surveillance footage, dash cam footage or any information about this incident is asked to contact Cst. Fluxgold of Central East Division at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 3011.

The Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) recognizes the impact that hate has on our community, and we are dedicated to investigating all occurrences of hate/bias motivated crimes and hate/bias motivated incidents. For more information, please visit: www.drps.ca

DRPS works with its Diversity Advisory Committee (DAC) to address challenges impacting the diverse communities of the Durham Region. The citizens appointed to the committee serve as a consultative and advisory body to the Office of the Chief of Police.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.

The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation. These allegations have yet to be proven in court.

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