Red Deer RCMP have identified the suspect who was caught on camera writing a hate message in the snow outside the Red Deer Islamic Center the morning of February 9, after a youth turned himself in to police several days later.

Red Deer RCMP are working with the youth, his family and the Red Deer Islamic Center to resolve the incident through restorative justice means, which includes a meeting between the youth and staff at the Islamic Center.

The John Howard Society will work with the group to facilitate the process, in keeping with their mandate to promote community harmony through advocacy, prevention and re-integration of offenders through the restorative process.

After investigating the incident thoroughly and determining the wishes of the Islamic Center staff, RCMP are not laying charges in this incident.

“The youth has expressed sincere remorse for hurting others through thoughtless statements that were made on impulse, and has expressed a desire to reach out to members of the Islamic Center. They, in turn, welcome the opportunity to turn this into a learning conversation where mutual understanding can flourish,” says Corporal Karyn Kay of the Red Deer RCMP.

“In our view, the best outcome for this file is to develop a positive change in understanding and in behaviour through relationships and education rather than pursuing a criminal charge.”

Red Deer RCMP will not be commenting further on this incident to maintain the privacy of the youth and his family while they work through the restorative justice process.

 

 


 

Red Deer RCMP are looking for public assistance to identify a suspect who was caught on camera writing a hate message in the snow outside the Red Deer Islamic Center on Sunday morning.

RCMP responded to the report of an alleged hate crime at the Red Deer Islamic Center on Douglas Avenue at 7:30 am on February 19, and have determined that a single male suspect approached the stairs to the center and wrote a hateful message in the snow, signing it “E.K.” No damage was done to the building itself.

The suspect can be seen on camera approaching and departing from the north.

Red Deer RCMP are actively investigating this incident and are releasing a photo of the suspect male with the hope that someone will be able to identify him.

Public incitement of hatred is defined as everyone who, by communicating statements, promotes hatred against any identifiable groups.\

The act at the Red Deer Islamic Center is considered a Hate Crime – Mischief to Religious Property under the Criminal Code of Canada, and it is taken very seriously by Red Deer RCMP.

The male suspect is described as wearing a hoodie and ball cap under a jacket (possibly Carhartt brand), light coloured pants and dark running shoes.

If you have information about this investigation or recognize this male, please contact the Red Deer RCMP at 403-343-5575.

If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or report it online at www.tipsubmit.com.

If your information leads to an arrest, you could be eligible for a cash reward up to $2,000.