'Hate-motivated assault' arrest made at Toronto demonstration

A 30-year-old man has been arrested for a hate-motivated assault at a demonstration Sunday near Yonge Street and Balmoral Avenue, police say.

In a news release Sunday evening, Toronto Police Service says the accused was allegedly seen entering a crowd of demonstrators, yelling "hate-motivated slurs" at them. The accused is alleged to have pushed a demonstrator, causing them to fall backwards.

Police allege the man resisted arrest and was found with a knife in his possession. He has been charged with assault, assault with intent to resist arrest, carrying a concealed weapon and possession of a weapon, according to the release.

He is scheduled to appear in court on May 3, police say.

In a separate TPS release Sunday evening, police say a 25-year-old was also arrested Sunday at a demonstration at the same intersection. Police say they were investigating a complaint that the accused had a knife concealed on their person, and discovered "a large knife" under their clothing, after taking them into custody.

They were charged with carying a concealed weapon, according to the release.

Anyone with information on either incident is asked to contact police at 416-808-3500, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.