This week, Edmonton Police Service (EPS) Hate Crime investigators arrested 44-year-old male in connection to three recent attacks.
The Edmonton Muslim community have come together to offer self defense classes to ensure the protection of hijab wearing Muslim women on the streets of Edmonton, after some Muslim women were assaulted, yelled racial slurs at, and threatened in separate incidents in Edmonton in the last 3 months at South Gate Mall, University of Alberta Transit Centre, and other locations.
At a press conference, the Edmonton Police Chief, Dale McFee, said they will continue the investigation and bring charges.
The EPS Hate Crimes and Violent Extremism Unit (HCVEU) arrested and charged 44-year-old Shane Edward Tremblay in connection with three recent hate-motivated incidents involving women.
The first incident occurred at approximately 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021, at the University of Alberta Transit Centre. It was reported to police that a 19-yr-old woman wearing a Hijab was waiting inside the Transit Center, when she was approached by an unknown male suspect making racial comments. The suspect allegedly became more aggressive towards the female, posturing as though he was about to assault her. The accused fled the scene, after an ETS Transit employee became involved.
The second incident occurred 30 minutes later, at approximately 12:45 p.m., Feb. 3rd, in the area of 100 Street and 82 Avenue. It was reported to police that a 27-year-old Black female wearing a Burka was walking on the sidewalk alone. An unknown male suspect ran across the road, stopping in front of the female and blocking her path.
The suspect then allegedly began swearing and yelling insults at the female. The suspect then left crossing the street. The female thought the suspect was gone and continued walking eastbound, crossing 99 Street. The suspect returned coming up behind the female then pushed her, while making threats to kill her and tear off her Burka. The suspect then left the area.
The 44-year-old accused male is also facing charges in connection to a third hate-motivated incident that occurred at approximately 2:10 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 18, 2021.
It was reported to police that the same male suspect uttered racially motivated threats at a 43-year-old Black woman outside of a convenience store near 91 Street and 82 Avenue. The male allegedly then followed the female complainant back inside the store, where he proceeded to assault the woman. The accused fled the scene on foot prior to the arrival of police. The complainant did not require medical attention.
“The actions of this individual have traumatized these three women and created a significant level of fear in our community,” says EPS Sgt. Gary Willits, of the EPS Hate Crimes and Violent Extremism Unit. “I’m grateful to our partners, including ETS Transit officials, the University of Alberta Protective Services, businesses along Whyte Avenue and the convenience store staff, all of whom played an instrumental role in identifying our suspect, who is well known to police and ETS for multiple related incidents over the last few years.”
Shane Edward Tremblay, 44, of no fixed address, is charged with uttering threats (x3) and assault (x3).
EPS Hate Crimes and Violent Extremism Unit is also recommending that Section 718.2 of the Criminal Code of Canada be applied in this case, allowing the courts to consider increased sentencing when there is evidence the offence was motivated by hatred.
