LRT passenger seriously injured after assault and ‘hate-filled’ comments
Posted Nov 19, 2024 10:11:23 AM.
Last Updated Nov 19, 2024 10:11:30 AM.
A person was riding the light rail transit (LRT) system in Ottawa Nov. 16 when two people approached them.
According to police, the two men “unprovoked” started assaulting the victim while saying “hate-filled” and “derogatory” comments in relation to the person’s race at about 6:40 p.m.
When the victim did not respond one of the accused assaulted them with a weapon.
As the two men exited the train they continued to shout hateful comments for all the passengers to hear, a police press release reads.
The victim sustained serious injuries as a result of the incident and was transported to the hospital.
Police have laid hate-motivated offences against the two accused.
Phillip Hudson-Berry, 35, of Ottawa was charged with:
- Aggravated assault
- Assault with a weapon
- Possession of a weapon dangerous to the public
- Uttering threats
- Mischief, obstruction of property
- Causing a disturbance
- Mischief
Dillion Graham-Laurence, 30, of Ottawa was charged with:
- Assault
- Assault with a weapon
- Mischief, obstruction of property
- Causing a disturbance
- Breach of probation
Both appeared in court on Sunday and remain in custody.
“We continue to encourage anyone who witnesses or experiences such incidents to report them to police,” the press release reads. “Reporting hate-motivated incidents is an important step in stopping cycles of hatred.”
Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS).
