Investigators allege workers assigned to a closed construction site, which
Man, 34, arrested after nooses found at Michael Garron Hospital last summer
December 7, 2020 By Joanna Lavoie, Toronto.com A 34-year-old man is facing four
charges in connection with the discovery of nooses found this summer at East
York’s Michael Garron Hospital. On June 10, 2020, at about 12:30 p.m., Toronto
police responded to a radio call near Coxwell and Sammon avenues.
police said is not accessible to the general public, arrived at work to find
two nooses on their construction equipment.
In a June 26 news release, investigators called this incident a “suspicious
threat” and asked anyone with information to contact them.
“Toronto Police has been actively investigating this incident and
investigators have engaged the Hate Crime Unit. Additionally, both the
construction company and owners of the site have been assisting with the
investigation,” police said in the release. Toronto police said as “part of
the Service's commitment to tackling Hate Crimes”, they set up a task force
following several similar reports at construction sites across the city.
They said this team included members of the Hate Crime Unit along with
investigators from 55 Division, 52 Division and 11 Division, police said. As
a result of this “hate-motivated mischief and criminal harassment
investigation”, a suspect was identified in connection to the discovery of
one of the nooses on June 10. Jason Lahay, 34, of Toronto, was arrested on
Friday, Dec. 4. He has been charged with one count of mischief interrupt
property over $5,000 and three counts of criminal harassment. He has a Jan.
13 court date. Toronto police said when “hate-motivated” offenses are
reported to them, a divisional investigator leads the investigation. The
Hate Crime Unit is also advised and specialized officers from that unit
support the investigation, as needed, police said. If there are allegations
of a criminal offense being committed like assault or mischief that is
believed to be motivated by bias, prejudice, or hate, the officer-in-charge
will consult with the Crown Attorney, police said in a Dec. 7 release.
“If a person is charged and convicted of the offence, the judge will take
into consideration hate as an aggravating factor when imposing a sentence,”
police said. “Wilful promotion of hatred and advocating genocide are hate
propaganda (hate speech) offences which require the Attorney General’s
consent. Members of the Hate Crime Unit will provide assistance and support
to the divisional investigators in seeking the Attorney General’s consent to
lay these charges, if applicable. These charges are often laid at a later
time.”
https://www.toronto.com/news-story/10283781-man-34-arrested-after-nooses-found-at-michael-garron-hospital-last-summer/
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5500, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.222tips.com.
