The hunt for a Calgary man wanted in connection with anti-Semitic graffiti painted on Jewish monuments has ended with his arrest in Winnipeg.
The arrest of the 18-year-old on Thursday capped a four-month investigation into anti-Semitic slogans and Nazi symbols spray-painted on the Calgary Jewish Centre and Holocaust Memorial in Pump Hill, as well as the Chabad Lubavitch centre in Woodbine.
“The core message we want to get out there is we don’t tolerate hate crimes in Calgary,” police Chief Rick Hanson said.
The suspect is facing charges of mischief to property, as well as inciting public hatred and two counts of mischief to a place of religious worship.
“This individual is in some sort of process of being brought back to Calgary,” said Winnipeg police Const. Jason Michalyshen.
Because the graffiti suspect was 17 at the time of the offence, his identity is protected by the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
It’s the first time Calgary police have laid a charge in connection with an act against a place of worship.
“It’s a relief that somebody’s been found and we’re very impressed at the speed with which the police moved with their case,” said Adam Singer, vice-president of the Calgary Jewish Community Council.
“We’re very gratified the police have taken this so seriously and committed the resources and time they did.”
