Police have identified the product used in an incident where a swastika was burned into a field at Prince of Wales Park in Whitby as they continue to appeal to witnesses for information.
Durham Regional Police investigators have determined the blue container left on the field to make the hateful symbol is a Swish Brite product which contained 12% sodium hypochlorite (typically used as a powerful industrial cleaner or pH balancer).
Police are requesting any residents who normally use this product to check and see if this item is missing or has been stolen from their property.
On Aug 9, at 10 p.m., officers were called to Prince of Wales Park at 250 Prince of Wales Dr. following reports of damage to the soccer field.
Anyone with cellphone, dashcam, surveillance footage or information about this incident is asked to call police at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1877 or 1831, or Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
CLARINGTON PARK DAMAGED
In what Durham Regional Police said is an unrelated incident, investigators are appealing to the public for assistance in finding those responsible for damaging a pickleball court with racist graffiti in Clarington.
Cops say on Sunday, officers responded to a property damage/hate-motivated call at the Diane Hamre Recreational Complex, located at 1780 Rudell Rd.
Officers arrived on scene and saw racist language written on the complex’s pickleball court.
Investigators are appealing for anyone in the area who may have seen anything suspicious or with cellphone, dashcam, surveillance footage or information about this incident to call police at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1641, Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or to visit durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca.
SHOOTING SUSPECT
A male is sought in connection with a June 15 shooting in the Birchmount Rd.-Finch Ave. E. area.
Sharmake Ahmed, 19, of Toronto, is wanted on a warrant for discharge firearm with intent, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of loaded prohibited firearm, and fail to comply with disposition.
He is described as 6 feet tall, 170 pounds, with a medium build and black hair.
It’s alleged that at 1:48 p.m., the accused and another male were standing in front of a business when the alleged victim approached them and they had a verbal interaction.
It’s further alleged the accused produced a firearm and shot towards the victim before all parties fled the area.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 416-808-2222, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or visit 222tips.com.
WOMAN, YOUTH ARRESTED IN ROBBERY
A 41-year-old woman and a 14-year-old youth have been charged in connection with three retail armed robberies in the Meadowvale Rd. -Dean Park Rd. area.
Toronto Police allege that between April 14-Aug. 13, the suspect entered the stores and went behind the counter, pointed a knife at victims and demanded money and cigarettes.
Cops alleged in two of the robberies a second suspect waited by the door as a lookout.
Authorities say on Wednesday, a search warrant was issued and after items were seized as evidence, Katrina Carriere, of Toronto, was charged with three counts each of robbery with an offensive weapon and disguise with intent and one count of forcible confinement.
Also on Wednesday, the a 14-year-old, from Toronto, was charged with two counts each of robbery with an offensive weapon and of disguise with intent.
The youth can’t be named as per the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 416-808-7350, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or visit 222tips.com.