Police lay assault charges after third racially-motivated crime in just over a week

EDMONTON (CityNews) – Edmonton police have charged a 38-year-old man after an alleged hate-motivated assault.

Here’s a statement from the victim: "My immediate concern… I was the wrong guy, the right opportunity. What if it was my 11 year old son or the single Black woman who lives across from me with her two daughters. I don't feel safe in my own community.” 1/2 https://t.co/LX53QVDSH2

— Rachelle Elsiufi (@Rachelleelsiufi) December 18, 2020

EPS said in a release Friday that Joseph Gladue is charged with assault causing bodily harm and uttering death threats after the incident on Wednesday.

Around 10:00 a.m. that morning, officers received a call to the Parkdale neighbourhood.

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Police allege that a 48-year-old Black man was approached near his home, had racially-motivated obscenities yelled at him and was pushed without being provoked.

“I can defend myself, but my son cannot. Now I have healthcare concerns, concerns about covid and healthcare appointments to worry about… My life has been turned upside down. I do not blame my attacker, I blame systemic racism.” 2/2 #yeg

— Rachelle Elsiufi (@Rachelleelsiufi) December 18, 2020

When the man tried to run away, the accused allegedly ran after him to the backyard of the victim’s home and assaulted him.

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Police say that thanks to the help of a witness, as well as officers who were in the area responding to an unrelated matter, noticed the assault and intervened.

The victim was treated by EMS on scene for non life-threatening injuries.

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Police are also recommended that Section 718.2 of the Criminal Code of Canada be applied in the case, allowing the courts to consider increased sentencing when evidence shows the offence was motivated by hate.

The incident was not connected to two other hate-motivated incidents that occurred over the past ten days.