Hamilton,
14
July
2021
|
12:41
America/New_York

UPDATE: Hamilton Police Make Arrest in Hate Crime Attack

Hamilton Police have arrested a 40-year-old male from Cambridge after a hate crime attack that took place in Hamilton.

On Monday, July 12, 2021, at approximately 9:30 p.m., a mother and daughter were walking through a parking lot in a plaza in the Ancaster Meadowlands. An interaction occurred after a vehicle pulling out of a parking spot almost struck one of the victims.

The interaction escalated with the suspect uttering threats towards the victims while using slurs targeting the Muslim community.

The victims ran across the street and hid behind some bushes while the suspect searched for them. He eventually located them and threatened to kill them. One of the victims ran screaming for help and witnesses intervened as the suspect fled the area.

The incident is being investigated as a hate crime.

Charged

Charges

Vince Licata

  • Male, 40-years-of-age
  • Cambridge, Ontario
  • Utter Threat to Cause Death X 3
  • Assault with a Weapon X 2
  • Dangerous Operation
  • Fail to Comply Probation

Licata has been remanded to court on July 15, 2021.

As the charges are before the courts no additional information will be released.

Police are urging witnesses to these incidents to come forward and to contact Hamilton Police Hate-Crime Detective Fabiano Mendes at 905-546-5678 or Division 3 Criminal Investigation Branch Acting Detective Sergeant Michael Hall at 905-546-3851.

To provide information anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com.

Hate crime in Hamilton is not acceptable. Left unchecked, hate crime can have a far reaching impact on communities. Hate crimes can be reported online