Orono, Ontario – A 34-year-old man and his 14-year-old son have been charged following hate-motivated incidents east of Toronto, Durham Regional Police announced Tuesday.
Police allege that on January 30, 2025, a man entered the Canadian Tire store on Green Road in Bowmanville and was observed on surveillance footage placing antisemitic pamphlets throughout the premises. Store employees discovered the pamphlets and reported the incident to authorities.
On May 24, 2025, officers responded to a mosque on Church Street North in Orono after reports that several vehicles and the front door had been vandalized. Police say the incidents were hate-motivated and targeted both the Jewish and Muslim communities.
Following an investigation, police executed two search warrants at a residence in Orono on June 9. The father and son were taken into custody without incident, and several items were seized during the operation.
The 34-year-old man from Clarington has been charged with mischief to property. His 14-year-old son faces a charge of mischief relating to religious property. Both have been released on undertakings.
โWe recognize the significant impact these incidents have had on our community, particularly among members of the Jewish and Muslim communities,โ Durham police said in a statement. โActs that target or instill fear in any group are unacceptable and are taken very seriously. We remain committed to ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of everyone in our community.โ
Investigators are urging anyone with information about the incidents to contact Durham Regional Police or Crime Stoppers.
This article is based on verified information from Durham Regional Police, CTV News, CBC News, CityNews, and Global News.