Suspect wanted after Toronto police say anti-Asian comment made toward man who was later punched

Toronto police investigators say they are looking for male suspect who is accused of uttering an anti-Asian comment toward a 52-year-old man who was later punched.

In a statement released on Thursday, officers said police were called to the Midtown Plaza at the corner of Midland Avenue and Sheppard Avenue East just before 7 p.m. on Sunday with reports of an assault.

The statement said the 52-year-old victim was ordering food when a man “made an anti-Asian comment” to the victim. It was alleged the suspect punched the victim before taking off.

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Officers said the injured man had to be taken to the hospital to be treated for injuries.

The assault described by police is the latest instance of anti-Asian racism in the Toronto area. On Thursday, Toronto city council passed a motion condemning racist acts toward the community amid reports of a spike in hate incidents.

0408 12:15 Susp Sought In Hate-motivated Asslt Invst, Sheppard Ave E…Area, Imgs Rlsd https://t.co/bkMf3L9ykF

— Toronto Police (@TorontoPolice) April 8, 2021

Meanwhile, investigators said they’re still searching for the accused. He was described as being between 40 and 50 years old, five-foot-10, weighing approximately 180 pounds, clean-shaved and having a cut on his hand.

Officers said it’s believed the suspect left the plaza in a grey, four-door, 2016 to 2018 Nissan Altima. He was reported to be with another man who was last seen wearing a blue sweater, dark pants and dark shoes.

Anyone with information was asked to call police at 416-808-4200 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477.