Police identify suspect in downtown hate-motivated assault; charges pending

Calgary police have identified a woman they believe is responsible for a hate-motivated assault that happened in the downtown core last month.

Investigators say on Sunday, Apr. 28 around 5 p.m., three women were leaving the Central Library on 3 Street SE, walking toward the City Hall CTrain Station, when they were approached by another woman shouting obscenities, and aggressively gesturing at one of the women in the group.

The victim, who was concerned about the safety of herself and her friends, asked her friends to go to a safer location while asking the woman to leave them alone.

According to police, the woman continued to follow the victim while shouting, and trying to burn her face with a lit cigarette.

Investigators say the suspect eventually hit the victim in the face and threw a travel coffee mug at her.

The victim continued walking away and found safety before calling police.

Police say this incident is considered hate-motivated due to the comments made by the suspect.

“Based on the disparaging remarks this woman used, it is clear that this incident was motivated by hate,” CPS hate crime co-ordinator Cst. Matt Messenger said in a statement. “The victim was with a group of friends who were going about their day in our city, and have now been left feeling scared, humiliated and discriminated against all because of who they are. This is unacceptable.”

In an update on Thursday afternoon, CPS said they have identified the suspect and charges are pending.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact police at 403-266-1234 or tip anonymously through CrimeStoppers.