2 youths arrested after 'racially motivated' assault in Cole Harbour
Irritant sprayed in man's face in Forest Hills Parkway rec centre parking lot
Nova Scotia RCMP have arrested two youths after a "racially motivated" assault in a Cole Harbour recreation centre parking lot on Forest Hills Parkway on Monday afternoon.
Police said three youths had followed a man, woman and two children to a vehicle. In a news release, police said the youths "shouted obscenities and racially motivated hate speech" before one of the youths sprayed an irritant in the man's face. The youths left the area after police were called, the RCMP said.
On Tuesday, while helping Halifax Regional Police on a call in Dartmouth, the RCMP said two youths who were involved in the parking lot assault were arrested. Police seized a can of irritant.
Both youths have been charged with possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and assault with a weapon. One of the youths has also been charged with failure to comply with a release order.
The youths both appeared at Halifax provincial court on Wednesday. They were both released with conditions, police said.
Anyone with information about this incident can contact the RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment directly at 902-490-5020. Anonymous tips can be shared with Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Police are encouraging anyone who may be the victim of a hate crime or hate incident to report it.