Police charge man in hate attack against Filipina in Edmonton, Canada

The Edmonton police hate crimes and violent extremism unit is recommending that a section of the Criminal Code be applied in this misdemeanor case. EPS

EDMONTON, Alberta – Police arrested and charged a 64-year-old man in what is seen as a hate-motivated attack against a Filipina woman in west Edmonton.

On Feb. 1, at about 8:20 a.m., officers responded to a call that man was yelling and using racial slurs against a Filipina who had just left a coffee shop in the area of 149 Street and Stony Plain Road, according a police news release.

Police said the 59-year-old Filipina woman, whose identity was not released, got into her vehicle and locked the doors, but the man then attacked her car, causing damage to the mirror and windshield wiper.

Police later arrested Brian Reginald Gee, 64, and charged him with mischief under $5,000. The case remains under investigation and further charges may apply.

The Edmonton police hate crimes and violent extremism unit is also recommending that a section of the Criminal Code be applied in this case, which would allow the courts to consider increased sentencing where there is evidence of hate motivation. Gee is scheduled to appear in court on March 1.

Police said that its crime and trauma support services has given help to the victim.

According to court records, Gee has an “extensive history.” On Nov. 10, he was charged with mischief under $5,000 after allegedly damaging a door.