Cops release suspect descriptions in 'violent' Oshawa swarming probed as potential hate crime

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Investigators have released descriptions of five suspects wanted in connection with a swarming attack on a business owner in Oshawa that is being probed as a possible hate crime.

Durham Regional Police said a group of teens caused a disturbance at a Pizza Pizza restaurant at 199 Wentworth St. W. shortly after midnight on Wednesday and attacked the victim after they were confronted.

Cops said the young people had been “creating a disturbance” at the restaurant and one of the individuals jumped behind the counter and attempted to take an item.

The suspect was confronted by the victim, at which point cops said a “violent struggle” ensued.

“During that struggle, several other individuals also jumped behind the counter, swarmed and assaulted the victim,” Durham cops alleged in a news release.

Investigators said store surveillance footage shows the group swarming and assaulting a person at the store, and they are encouraging perpetrators to come forward as they seek witnesses.

Amira Elghawaby, a federal special representative on combating Islamophobia, alleged that the suspects “violently” ripped off the female victim’s hijab and kicked her repeatedly during the attack.

“We are gathered to condemn this latest attack on a visible Muslim woman here in Oshawa,” she told a news conference outside city hall earlier this week that was organized by the National Council of Canadian Muslims.

“As part of our investigative process, all motives, including the potential that this was a hate-motivated offence, are being thoroughly examined,” Durham police said in a statement earlier this week.

The first suspect is described as a Black female with a thin build, long braids, 12-15 years old. She was wearing a grey T-shirt, spandex grey pants and black sandals.

The second suspect is described as a Black female with a light complexion, thin build, braids tied in a bun, 12-15 years old. She was wearing an orange hoodie, black leggings and black shoes.

The third suspect is described as a Black female with a light complexion, thin build, black box braids, 11-12 years old. She was wearing a grey hoodie, black leggings and grey shoes.

The fourth suspect is described as a white male with a slim build. He was wearing a black hoodie, black pants and white shoes.

The fifth suspect is described as a Black male with a slim build. He was wearing a black mask, black hoodie, black puffer vest and black and white Nike Dunk shoes.

Anyone who may have information, may have witnessed the incident, or may know the identities of those involved are asked to contact police at 905-579-1520 ext. 2765, or Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or at durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca.

– with files from The Canadian Press

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