Members of the Huntsville Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying individuals involved in a hate-motivated crime.
On June 8, 2024, at approximately 7:45 p.m., a family of South Asian descent but born and raised in Canada was walking on the sidewalk near the intersection of Brunel Road and Main Street East when a grey and older model sedan approached the family. Four occupants in the vehicle called the family racial slurs and spit at them. The vehicle then travelled eastbound onto Main Street East.
This publication was made aware of the incident via an email received from one of the victims. The email was also sent to the mayor and other media. The victim was clearly upset and stated: “You and your community should be ashamed of this behaviour. As a child of the 70s and 80s, I experienced this regularly, and now, in 2024, my children have experienced the same racism in your community!”
The Huntsville OPP continues this investigation with assistance from the Muskoka Crime Unit and the OPP’s Hate Crime and Extremism Unit. The says it OPP takes hate-motivated crimes very seriously as they undermine public safety, negatively impact our communities, and can escalate toward criminal extremism. It is important that hate-motivated crimes are reported to the police, as they are illegal under the Criminal Code.
The Huntsville OPP requests that anyone with any information or video surveillance of this incident contact the Huntsville OPP at 705-789-5551 or 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit information online at www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca. You may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.
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Randy Spencer says
I am sorry for your experience but please don’t say as a community we should be ashamed for the actions of fringe few that exist in all of society. These creatures exist in every country around the world. Sadly they do a lot worst elsewhere
Roy Kirkpatrick says
I’m sure that the following phrase was an error in editing and doesn’t reflect the attitude of the staff and management of the Doppler, but it still needs to be pointed out.
“…a family of South Asian descent but born and raised in Canada…” somehow conveys the notion that the despicable treatment of these people would have been justified if they had been born and raised elsewhere. To be clear, no-one, regardless of where they were born and raised, deserves to be treated like this.
Tamara de la Vega says
Roy,
That is how the victim described themselves and their family.
Craig Nakamoto says
That behaviour is despicable and those who did it should be ashamed of themselves. I also don’t see how this reflects on our community, and how do we know that the perpetrators were even locals?
Joanne Tanaka says
Thank you for making us aware of this incident. I would hope this reminds us to stand up for others who are being mistreated this way. This blatant expression of racism, hatred and ignorance is very hurtful to all of us, especially any of us who are visible minorities. It is a kind of hate bomb that ripples out to everyone in the community. Muskoka is becoming more diverse in resident population and this is a change that is a happy trend as we welcome people willing to contribute their skills and cultural riches to our community. Sadly, there are those who are uncomfortable with these changes, and are unwilling to open their hearts and minds to new neighbours or visitors.
Dale Hajas says
I am so sorry to hear of the despicable behaviour toward one of our neighbours by other neighbours and I am ashamed that racist and bigots live among us, although, as Randy Spencer says, they are everywhere. Sadly.
I, too, cringed when I read “…a family of South Asian descent but born and raised in Canada…” so I’m glad that Tamara clarified the reason that Doppler described the disrespected family in that way.
A few weeks ago I accidentally intruded on a private function at the new Hindu temple and restaurant. Once I realized that the event was private, I apologized for barging in and prepared to leave quickly.
I was warmly welcomed, told there was no hurry and given the information that I originally sought. Then, I was offered food and drink. The attendees of predominantly South Asian descent smiled and nodded their welcome; my discomfort about my intrusion melted away.
What a contrast to the behaviour of the ignorant thugs who accosted this family; I hope they are identified and held accountable.
Randy Spencer says
I also must add that this kind of behavior should not be tolerated and we as citizens of Huntsville need to standup and defend these victims. I personally remember 40 some years ago moving here and my parents coming to visit and the side looks my stepfather(who just happens to be Jamaican) got in a certain store trying on a hat it was not comfortable to say the least, we have matured since then I hope!!
john Rivière-Anderson says
Outraged and very sad for the totally unacceptable disrespect shown you by an ignorant and uncultured few among us. Know that your caring neighbours will stand up for you. There are stiff penalties for hate crimes.
Melanie MacKinnon says
I’m so sad to hear about this incident. Hate comes from fear and ignorance. How can we educate the community to enlighten them on the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of the hard-working people who are coming to Huntsville? When people are seen as “other”, fear and ignorance can breed hate.
Mike Talbot says
Anyone who grew up here would know them. Food for thought.