Man charged with hate-motivated harassment

We have charged one man following multiple reports of what are believed to be hate-motivated crimes.

On Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022, at approximately 8 p.m., it is believed a man called staff multiple times at the All Saints Russian Orthodox Church, located at 905 8 Ave. N.E., and made threats toward staff and the church congregation.  As it is believed the church was targeted because of its Russian heritage, this incident has been deemed a hate-motivated crime.

On the same day, we received four additional reports of threats and harassment against Russian-Calgarians. Our Hate Crime and Extremism Team investigated all these incidents and found them to be related.

As a result, Christopher DUCHAINE, 36, of Calgary, has been charged with five counts of criminal harassment. All five of the reported incidents have been deemed hate-motivated crimes.

“We would like to make it clear that hate-motivated crimes of any kind will not be tolerated in our city,” said Const. Matt Messenger of the Calgary Police Service Hate Crime and Extremism Team. “Uttering threats and harassing individuals based on their race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, language, mental or physical ability, sex, age, or any other similar factor, are considered criminal offences. We take these incidents seriously and recognize hate-motivated crimes have negative impacts on victims and in these cases have left victims feeling unsafe.”

Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact police at 403-266-1234. Information can also be shared anonymously with Crime Stoppers through any of the following methods:

 TALK: 1-800-222-8477

TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org

APP: P3 Tips

Case #22420198/4757