A 38-year-old male is facing charges after a hate-motivated incident in Port Perry.
On August 30, 2026, officers from North Division responded to an armed person call at Palmer Park after receiving reports of a male swinging a bat at people in the park.
Officers arrived on scene but the suspect had already left.
After speaking to witnesses and reviewing video footage, officers learned the suspect was making threats while yelling racial slurs. Through further investigation, a suspect was identified.
On Thursday, September 10, 2026, members from North Division, with assistance from the DRPS Tactical Support Unit, attended the suspect’s residence and he was arrested.
The DRPS Hate Crime and Extremism Unit, in partnership with the Intelligence Operations Unit, executed a search warrant at the suspect’s residence and several items related to the offence were seized.
Lucca DOWNEY, a 38-year-old male from Scugog is facing several charges, including: Offence Motivated by Hatred – Assault with a Weapon, Offence Motivated by Hatred – Utter Threats; and Offence Motivated by Hatred – Possess Weapon Dangerous to Public.
He was held for a bail hearing.
Police are concerned there may be other victims and are releasing the suspect’s photo.
Anyone with information about this or similar incidents is asked to contact the Hate Crime and Extremism Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5800.
Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.
The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation. These allegations have yet to be proven in court.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
