REGION OF PEEL – Officers from the 12 Division Criminal Investigations Bureau arrested and laid several charges against 24-year-old Mohammad Moiz Omar for what is believed to be a hate-motivated incident that occurred at a Mississauga Mosque.
On March 19, 2022, at approximately 7:00 am, police attended the Dar Al-Tawheed Islamic Centre in the area of McAdam Road and Matheson Boulevard in Mississauga regarding an assault. It is alleged that a man walked into the Mosque and discharged bear spray towards the members of the Mosque while brandishing a hatchet. The members of the Mosque quickly subdued the man until police arrived.
The Mosque members received minor injuries as a result of the bear spray.
Mohammad Moiz Omar, a 24-year-old man from Mississauga, has been formally charged with the following offences:
- Assault with a weapon
- Administering Noxious Substance with intent to Endanger Life or Cause Bodily Harm
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
- Utter Threat to Cause Death or Bodily Harm
- Carrying Concealed weapon
- Mischief to religious property
He was held for a bail hearing and appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton.
“Violence of any kind is unacceptable in our community and we are taking this matter extremely seriously. This is an ongoing investigation led by 12 Division Criminal Investigations Bureau and we will continue to work closely with our community partners as our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Divisional Mobilization Officers continue to engage with faith leaders and community members. We will continue to provide updates as the investigation unfolds.” said Superintendent Rob Higgs, Commander of 12 Division.
