Winnipeg man, 19, charged after Charleswood buildings hit with antisemitic graffiti over 3-month period
Charged with 26 counts of mischief after graffiti found in Charleswood
A 19-year-old Winnipeg man has been charged with more than two dozen counts of mischief in connection with antisemitic graffiti found throughout a west Winnipeg neighbourhood over a three-month period.
"I want to emphasize the Winnipeg Police Service takes all hate-motivated incidents very seriously," Insp. Jennifer McKinnon said at a news conference Tuesday.
Police had received numerous reports of symbols such as swastikas and antisemitic acronyms painted on a number of buildings, fences and other objects in the Charleswood area between Sept. 28 and Dec. 31.
McKinnon said the offences do not meet the specific criteria of a hate crime outlined in the Criminal Code — the vandalism was at random locations rather than any specific religious or cultural locations — the aggravating factors of the hateful graffiti could be considered at sentencing.
The president of the Westdale Community Centre previously told CBC antisemitic graffiti was found there in early January and in December.
McKinnon said it doesn't appear the community centre was targeted for any specific reason.
"Unfortunately, Westdale Community Club just happens to be in close proximity," she said.
McKinnon thanked the public for helping the investigation with social media posts of the graffiti, which is typically removed by the city after investigators report it but also by a community volunteer.
The 19-year-old was identified as a suspect after Winnipeg police spoke to affected property owners and obtained surveillance video, a news release from the police service said Tuesday.
McKinnon said she couldn't speak about the man's motive because it's an ongoing investigation, but that they searched the home where he was arrested and did find evidence there.
"I think there's larger questions to be answered," McKinnon said.
The man was charged with 26 counts of mischief under $5,000 and was detained.
Anyone with information about the graffiti or who would like to speak with investigators about it is asked to call 204-986-6219, or file an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 204-786-8477 (TIPS) or on the website.