HAMILTON — Two teenagers face assault and threat charges after an incident involving a running group on the Hamilton–Brantford Rail Trail that police believe may have been hate-motivated.

Hamilton Police said officers were called to the trail behind University Plaza shortly after 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 6, after reports that two youths were threatening members of the group.

Coach suffered minor injuries

According to police, a coach intervened and was then allegedly threatened with repeated comments about his race and perceived ethnicity. Police allege the male youth grabbed the coach and punched him several times in the head. The victim sustained minor injuries.

Police said the two youths ran when officers arrived and were arrested a short distance away.

Hate Crime Unit reviewing incident

A 15-year-old Hamilton boy and a 17-year-old Hamilton girl have each been charged with uttering threats to cause bodily harm or death and assault. They were released into the care of their parents on undertakings.

The charges have not been proven in court. Police said the incident has been referred to the Hate Crime Unit for review; the announced charges are assault and uttering threats. The Youth Criminal Justice Act prohibits publication of the accused youths’ identities.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Hamilton Police Mountain Station at 905-546-3886. Anonymous tips may be provided through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Source: Hamilton Police Service, October 7.

Lead image: flag of Hamilton, Ontario, via Wikimedia Commons; not a photograph of the alleged assault or the people involved.