News Release

The Toronto Police Service is making the public aware of a male arrested in a Hate-Motivated Assault with a Weapon investigation.

It is alleged that on Tuesday, October 13, 2026:

• the victim was working in the Danforth Avenue and Logan Avenue area when he was approached by the suspect.
• the suspect made anti-immigrant and anti-South Asian remarks directed at the victim and then assaulted him.
• the victim called 9-1-1 and officers arrived while the suspect was still on scene

Christopher Lawson, 43, of Toronto has been arrested and charged with:

1. Offence Motivated by Hatred, related to an Assault with a Weapon
2. Breach of Probation

He was scheduled to appear in court at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, 2201 Finch Avenue West, on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., in room 102

This investigation is being treated as a suspected hate-motivated offence.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-3505.

When suspected hate-motivated offences are reported to police, the investigation is led by the Hate Crime Unit (HCU).

If it is alleged a criminal offence was committed (such as assault or mischief) and it is believed to have been motivated by bias, prejudice or hate, the officer-in-charge may consult with the Crown. If a person is charged and convicted of the offence, the Judge will take into consideration hate as an aggravating factor when imposing a sentence.

Wilful promotion of hatred and advocating genocide are hate propaganda (hate speech) offences which require the Attorney General’s consent to lay charges. These charges are often laid at a later time.