Seeking public assistance to identify hate crime suspect

We are committed to ensuring that we work every day towards creating a community where racism is not tolerated, accepted, or present. We recognize the impact racist actions can have on members of our community and take investigations into crimes against racialized communities seriously.

We are seeking public assistance to identify a man wanted in relation to an assault on a member of a racialized community.

On Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021, at approximately 4:15 p.m., a woman approached the entrance to the Dollarama, located at 5401 Temple Dr. N.E. As she was about to enter, a man was exiting the store. She stepped aside to allow the man to leave, at which point, without provocation, he spit on the woman and called her a racial slur. The man then left the area on foot.

A sample of the saliva from the victim’s clothing was submitted to the DNA laboratory in hopes of obtaining a match. Results from such tests can take several months to obtain and we are still waiting for information.

Police also obtained CCTV footage from the scene. Still images of the suspect were subsequently distributed to CPS officers and to Calgary Transit employees to help identify the individual responsible for the assault.

Police have been unable to identify the suspect and are now seeking assistance from Calgarians to identify the man.

He is described as olive-skinned, approximately 6’ tall with a medium build. He had on a grey jacket and was carrying a white plastic bag.

Photos of the suspect are available on The City of Calgary Newsroom.

Anyone with information on the identity of the man is asked to contact the Calgary Police Service by calling 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers through any of the following methods:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477

TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org

APP: “P3 Tips”

Case: #21051737/5758

Hate-motivated crimes are initially investigated by our front-line officers who then send their investigation to the Hate Crimes Coordinator within our Hate & Extremism Team for review.

The Hate Crimes Coordinator typically supports and advises the initial investigator to make sure the appropriate evidence is collected and the appropriate charges are laid. However, he also does take over complex and serious investigations – including any allegations of hate speech.Once charges are laid, the case is sent to a specialized Crown prosecutor to ensure that any evidence of a hate motivation is properly pursued in court.