Two girls have been arrested in a swarming attack on a Muslim woman in Oshawa, Ont., and police say there is no evidence so far to indicate hate was a factor.
The victim had her hijab ripped off and was repeatedly kicked in the attack at a Pizza Pizza on July 2.
The girls, 13 and 14, have been charged with assault causing bodily harm, Durham Regional Police said in a news release on Friday.
Police are still searching for a 13-year-old boy, wanted for assault causing bodily harm, obstructing police and failure to comply with a release order, police said. An 11-year-old boy also participated but cannot be charged due to his age.
Police have yet to identify a fifth suspect, a girl believed to be 12-15. She is described as having a thin build and long braids, and was wearing a grey t-shirt, spandex grey pants and black sandals.
Swarming attack caught on camera may have been hate-motivated, advocates say
According to police, the incident began when a group of young people caused a disturbance at the restaurant.
One person jumped behind the counter and tried to take an item. The victim tried to stop the person and a “violent struggle ensued,” police said.
While the two were struggling, several other people also jumped behind the counter, swarming and assaulting the victim, police added.
In the release, police noted that hate crime is not a standalone charge under the Criminal Code. Police said determining whether hate played a role requires consulting with the Crown attorney’s office.
If hate is determined to be a motivating factor in the attack, it can be considered during sentencing and may result in a higher sentence, police said.
Anyone with information is urged to come forward to police.
