Ottawa woman accused of pulling hijab off OC Transpo passenger

A police vehicle sits outside the Ottawa Police headquarters on Elgin St. in this undated photo. (CTV News Ottawa)

Ottawa police say a 31-year-old woman is facing charges following a reported hate incident on an OC Transpo bus last Friday.

The incident took place at around 11:50 a.m. Police said a woman pulled another passenger’s hijab off her head.

The accused is charged with assault, two counts of mischief, and breach of probation.

Police did not name the woman in a news release Monday.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information is asked to call the Ottawa police hate crime unit at 613-236-1222, extension 5015. Tips may also be sent by email to [e-mail].

“The OPS continues to encourage anyone who witnesses or experiences such incidents to report them to police. Reporting hate-motivated incidents is an important step in stopping cycles of hatred,” police said.