Toronto police seek 2 suspects in Church-Wellesley assault

A Toronto Police Services logo is shown at headquarters, in Toronto, on Friday, August 9, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov

Toronto police are asking for the public’s help in identifying two suspects wanted in an assault investigation in the Church and Wellesley neighbourhood.

The incident took place Saturday at around 12:22 a.m., when police responded to a call about an assault in the Church Street and Alexander Street area.

The Toronto Police Service’s Hate Crime Unit said the victim was walking down the street when a car drove by and two suspects yelled a homophobic slur at him.

The suspects then parked their vehicle and followed the victim. When they caught up to the victim, they assaulted him, police said, and then fled in a dark-coloured sedan.

Police said the first suspect is described as a white man, six feet tall, with a thin build, wearing all-black clothing and a black ski mask.

The second suspect is described as a white man, five feet nine inches tall, with a thin build, wearing all-black clothing and a black ski mask.

Evan Solomon, Toronto Centre’s MP, said in a statement on Sunday that he is “deeply disturbed” by the reported incident.

“No one should ever be targeted for who they are or why they love. The use of homophobic slurs followed by violence is unacceptable and has no place in our city or our country,” Solomon said in a social media post.

“The Village is more than a neighbourhood, it is a symbol of hard-won rights, community, and belonging for 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians. An attack like this is not just against one individual, but against the shared values of safety, inclusion, and respect.”

Anyone with information is being asked to contact police.