NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
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Investigators with the York Regional Police #5 District Criminal Investigations Bureau have charged a suspect with several criminal offences after a suspected hate-motivated incident at a mosque in Markham.
On Thursday, April 6, at 6:55 a.m., York Regional Police responded to a call for a disturbance at a mosque on Denison Street. Witnesses reported that a male suspect had attended in a vehicle and drove directly at one of the worshippers and yelled threats and religious slurs. The suspect drove dangerously in the parking lot before leaving the property.
Members of the #5 District Criminal Investigations Bureau were notified and worked cooperatively with the Intelligence Unit and Hate Crime Unit to identify the suspect.
Members of the Hate Crime Unit attended the mosque to offer support to its members.
The suspect was identified and a warrant for his arrest was issued while efforts were made to locate him.
Shortly after midnight, on April 7, members of York Regional Police arrested the suspect in Toronto.
Sharan Karunakaran, 28, of Toronto is charged with uttering threats, assault with a weapon, and dangerous driving.
He was held for a bail hearing. His next scheduled appearance is at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Newmarket on April 11.
Investigators are concerned there may be other victims and police encourage them to come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the #5 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876- 5423, ext. 7541, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
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