Graffiti suspect caught on Windsor Star surveillance

Local mosque member Lina Chaker hopes the person responsible for the hate graffiti spread across Windsor will face serious consequences.

Windsor Police is looking for a suspect who spray painted hate graffiti across Windsor on Dec 13. It was reported that several bus shelters were vandalized by spray painted messages which included the property of businesses and local media outlets. Several bus shelters along Ouellette Avenue, Wyandotte Street and Tecumseh Road were defaced with offensive language.

Police officers are actively investigating and have images of an alleged suspect.

“Currently the person has not been identified and we encourage people to help us find the suspect,” said Sgt. Steve Betteridge. Windsor police have published those images so that the suspect can be identified.

“Police have no information about the motive of the possible suspect at the time. It looks like the suspect is just damaging the property,” said Betteridge.

The unidentified suspect was caught on a surveillance camera at the Windsor Star building in downtown.

“The person just wants a lot of attention, he did this right under the Windsor star camera. It’s a small percentage of people or maybe one person that has a big influence,” said Chaker, a member of Windsor Central Mosque.

Chaker said she was not quite sure what the graffiti actually means or if it’s related to any Islamic scriptures.

“We do hope that he faces consequences so that others don’t feel comfortable in doing it,” said Chaker. “These acts are really damaging. This is not verbal this is harassing someone in public. This symbolizes what attitude people have towards Muslims and should be dealt with in an appropriate manner,” said Chaker. She also said she hopes that the suspect faces consequences so that he does not create a disturbance in the city.

Betteridge said that it is not the definition of a hate crime, but it is extremely concerning and it is offensive, which can stir up emotions.  He also said he does not see any reason to be scared about anything but he encourages the community to be vigilant, to be aware of surroundings and to be aware of someone who acts suspiciously or who is trying to hide their identity.

“We as a community do not tolerate crimes of this nature and together with great community and teamwork we will be able to identify and charge the offenders that are up to crimes like this,” said Betteridge.