Toronto police make arrest in hate-motivated assault investigation

A Toronto man is facing 10 charges after he allegedly spray-painted Palestinian and Pride flags and then assaulted a bystander who tried to stop him.

Investigators say the suspect was spray painting the flags displayed on residential properties in the Dupont Street and Symington Avenue area when a witness intervened.

That’s when police allege the suspect struck the person with a weapon before fleeing the area.

The victim suffered non life-threatening injuries.

On Tuesday, July 16, police arrested Elly Goldberg-Dassas, 37, of Toronto.

He’s facing the following charges:

• two counts of Assault with a Weapon
• Assault Cause Bodily Harm
• two counts of Mischief Under $5000
• Carry Concealed Weapon
• Weapons Dangerous
• Disguise with Intent
• Trespassing at Night
• Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Weapon

“This investigation is being treated as a suspected hate-motivated offence,” police stated in a release.