Man and his family victims of hate crime at Mississauga park

Peel Regional Police are seeking witnesses to a hate crime after a man was assaulted while with his wife and two young children at a Streetsville park in Mississauga late Saturday afternoon. 

Police say the 44-year-old man and his family, of the Hindu faith, were conducting a small, private faith ceremony in a park area by the water near Mississauga and Barbertown Rds. when two male teens approached and began assaulting the man and throwing rocks at him at about 5:30 p.m. 

The culprits also shouted derogatory and hateful remarks, and assaulted the man several times, according to police. 

The man was able to free himself and he and his family were fleeing in their car when the attackers threw rocks at the car, causing a small amount of damage. 

The victim went to hospital, where he was treated for injuries not considered life-threatening. His wife and children were not physically hurt. 

Peel Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah said such attacks will not be tolerated in Peel, which is home to rich culture and diversity. 

That’s “…one of our many strengths,” he said. “Being able to practice and celebrate one’s faith in peace and safety is a fundamental right here in Canada. Hateful, deliberate acts such as this will not be tolerated and I can assure you that the appropriate resources are being allocated to identify those responsible.” 

The attackers are described as about 16 and 18 years old, with dark hair. One is believed to be white, while the other is Asian. 

Witnesses or anyone else with information is asked to call police at 905-453-2121, ext. 1133, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers also takes tips online at www.peelcrimestoppers.ca.