Suspect arrested for Calgary anti-Semitic incidents

CALGARY —An 18-year-old man has been arrested in Winnipeg in connection to several graffiti incidents that occurred in Calgary in November 2009.

Canada-wide warrants had been issued for the man believed to responsible for spray-painting anti-Semitic slogans and signs on the Calgary Jewish Community Centre and nearby Holocaust Memorial and the Chabad Lubavitch Centre.

“There was some swastikas and words such as ‘kill Jews’ and ‘six-million more,’” said Staff Sgt. Don Coleman.

An investigation led officers to believe the suspect was in Winnipeg. Winnipeg police were contacted and they made the arrest late last week.

The suspect was wanted on Canada-wide warrants for one count of mischief to property, two counts of mischief to a place of religious worship motivated by hate and one count of inciting public hatred.

Under provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the suspect cannot be identified, since the offences were committed when he was 17.

Canadian Jewish Congress praised Calgary police for investigating the case.

“The perseverance of Calgary Police Service [CPS] shows that even cowardly acts performed under cover of darkness can be traced to their source. We congratulate the CPS for their commitment on this file and for their recognition, demonstrated through the laying of appropriate charges, that criminal acts motivated by hate impact not only individuals but target entire communities,” said Congress CEO Bernie Farber.