Toronto Police Charge Two Girls in Three Suspected Hate-Motivated Assaults
In a concerning development, Toronto Police have charged two young girls, aged 12 and 14, with three separate assaults that are being investigated as hate-motivated crimes targeting the East Asian community. The alleged attacks all took place on February 20, 2026, in various downtown Toronto locations.
Details of the Alleged Incidents
According to police reports, the first incident occurred around 5:58 p.m. in the area of King Street East and George Street. The victim was walking on the sidewalk when she was kicked from behind. When she turned around, she reportedly saw the two accused running away from the scene.
The second alleged assault happened just minutes later at approximately 6 p.m. near King Street East and Sherbourne Street. In this case, the victim was walking on the sidewalk when they were assaulted from behind while racial slurs were directed at them. The two accused again fled the area immediately after the attack.
The third incident took place later that evening at around 9:16 p.m. at Wellesley Station. The victim was exiting a northbound train and traveling up an escalator when they were allegedly struck in the head. The two accused reportedly fled the station following this assault.
Police Investigation and Charges
Toronto Police have confirmed that all three assaults are being investigated as anti-East Asian hate crimes. On Monday, February 23, a 14-year-old female youth from Toronto was arrested and charged with two counts of assault. Two days later, on Wednesday, February 25, a 12-year-old female youth, also from Toronto, was arrested and charged with three counts of assault.
Under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, neither of the accused can be publicly named. Police have expressed concern that there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward.
Community Impact and Response
These incidents have raised significant concerns within Toronto's East Asian community and among broader community advocates who monitor hate-motivated crimes. The fact that the accused are so young adds another layer of complexity to this troubling situation.
Police are urging anyone with information about these incidents to come forward. Individuals can contact Toronto Police directly at 416-808-3500, provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or submit information online at 222tips.com.
Separate Incident: Oshawa Home Explosion
In unrelated news, Durham Regional Police are investigating a house explosion that occurred in Oshawa on Saturday, February 21. At approximately 10:05 p.m., officers responded to multiple reports of a home explosion in the area of Gibbons Street and Annapolis Avenue.
Upon arrival, police found the residence fully engulfed in flames. Officers assisted with traffic control while Oshawa Fire Services worked to extinguish the blaze. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries from this incident.
Investigators are seeking any cellphone, dashcam, or surveillance footage that might provide information about the explosion. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Park of the Central East Division Criminal Investigations Branch at 1-888-579-1520 extension 2769. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or through their online portal.
