Updated: Hate-Motivated Mischief – Arrest
Hate-Motivated Mischief – Arrest
(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service Hate Crime Section has charged a man after an investigation into the vandalizing of an Indigenous painting at Algonquin College on January 28th. A man was arrested by Frontline patrol officers today (Feb. 1st) at Algonquin College.
Safy BENAISSA, 32 years old, has been charged with one count of mischief over $5,000. Any evidence to support hate motivation is presented during sentencing.
The Hate Crime Section continues to investigate and thanks the public for its assistance.
The Ottawa Police Service also thanks Algonquin College Security Services personnel for their assistance in this investigation.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, January 30, 2020 1:25pm (update 2:31pm)
Suspect to identify following hate-motivated mischief incident at Algonquin College – contact info updated
(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Hate Crime Section is asking for the public’s assistance to identify the suspect of hate-motivated mischief to an Indigenous painting at Algonquin College on Woodroffe Avenue on January 28, 2020.
At approximately 8:26pm, a male suspect entered C Building carrying a plastic bag and what appeared to be a mop. Suspect then proceeded to the painting and defaced it by splattering paint on it.
The suspect is described as a Caucasian male, 5’8” (173cm) to 5’10” (178cm), heavyset, clean shaven. He was wearing a black or dark-brown coat with fur-trimmed hood, black or dark blue pants, faded brown leather boots with yellow striped shoelaces and a black backpack (see photos).
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call Detective Ali Toghrol at 613-236-1222, ext. 5453.