A Winnipeg police vehicle is photographed at a scene in Winnipeg, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski)
Winnipeg police have charged a man in connection with a series of hate-related graffiti incidents in the Crescentwood neighbourhood.
Police revealed on Friday that they had arrested Oliver Didtger Ederhof, 34, on Thursday in connection with the vandalism.
According to police, the suspect was allegedly responsible for spray painting random and hate-related graffiti on residential properties, including garages, houses, and vehicles in the early morning hours of January 2.
Police say hate-related symbols were also sprayed at the entrance to Munson Park on Wellington Crescent, the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, and the Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq Community Centre and Masjid on Ellice Avenue.
Using video surveillance and reports from the community, police identified a suspect to make an arrest.
Ederhof has been charged with 14 counts of mischief under $5,000 and obstructing the enjoyment of property. He was released on an undertaking.
“We now have to look at the motivation behind this,” Insp. Jen McKinnon of the major crimes unit said Friday.
“We are consulting with Manitoba Prosecutions on this and we’ll be continuing that investigation, and those charges can be considered once we come to the end of that.”
Following news of an arrest, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs released the following statement:
“Over the past week, instead of fear, members of Congregation Shaarey Zedek stood together with allies across communities and faiths in a powerful display of resilience against those who seek to undermine our Canadian way of life.
“Today, we welcome the news that the Winnipeg Police Service has made an arrest in connection with this and other hate crimes across the city. We commend authorities for their swift work and expect criminals to be held accountable to the full extent of the law — this is essential in deterring violent extremists and safeguarding the future for all Canadians.”
— With files from The Canadian Press
