Alleged racial slurs at centre of probe

From Toronto Star

An expanded investigation into an assault charge against a Keswick teen in the wake of alleged racially charged taunts and flying fists will wrap up by mid-week, says York Region’s police chief.

“The scope has been broadened to include the incidents leading up to the situation and we expect it will be concluded by next Wednesday,” said Chief Armand La Barge.

The 15-year-old was arrested after an incident April 21 in the Keswick High School gym that started when another student allegedly punched and hurled racial slurs at the teen, who returned the punch, breaking the other student’s nose.

The teen, who was charged with assault causing bodily harm, is a straight-A Grade 9 student and holds a third-degree black belt in martial arts, which his father teaches. He suffered a cut lip.

La Barge said two younger constables laid the charge. Officers with York’s hate crimes unit and a senior detective sergeant were later brought into the probe.

An additional 32 interviews were conducted as part of the expanded investigation, including talks with everyone in the gym at the time.

La Barge said the significance of the racial slurs has become part of the investigation. “Making a racial slur in itself isn’t an offence, but it could be an aggravating factor.”

It is up to the Crown attorney’s office in Newmarket to decide whether to proceed with charges laid by police. To make that decision, officials must look at two overarching issues: Is there a reasonable chance of a conviction, and is it in the public interest to lay charges?

The 15-year-old says he is sorry for breaking the other student’s nose, but alleges he was only defending himself after the other youth allegedly threw the first punch.

Both boys are under a 20-day school suspension and the charged youth is facing expulsion.

Earlier this week, several hundred students rallied in support of the 15-year-old.