A Port Hope woman said she is the victim, not a criminal, in a neighbourhood dispute she calls racism.
Fighting through tears, forty-four-year-old Chadd Harmeet said, “I’m sorry I moved here.”
Harmeet along with her husband and their three children ages, two, three and eight-years old moved into their semi detached home on November 28, 2020.
It’s been just over a month and the family still haven’t fully unpacked, but Harmeet said she’s had enough of the police and her neighbour and wants to move.
The family moved to Canada on July 2, 2014 from India.
Prior to moving to Port Hope, Harmeet and her children lived in Edmonton while her husband worked two jobs in Toronto.
After looking around, they found the semi-detached home that was in their budget range. They purchased the residence and looked forward to raising their children in the community.
Her husband sleeps in his car four days a week and comes home on weekends.
Because her husband is the sole provider, Harmeet looks after the children at home.
Almost immediately after moving in, the family and neighbour had issues regarding noise.
During the first night at their residence, Harmeet heard noises coming from the neighbour’s side, but they didn’t want to trouble them and thought they may have been working.
On Saturday, December 5 they had their first “meeting” with the neighbour when he came over at approximately 7 p.m. telling them to keep the noise down because his partner works shift work and she needs her sleep.
Harmeet said her husband had just hooked up their surround system and was trying it out, but quickly turned it off even though it was 7 p.m. on a Saturday evening.
Port Hope Police first came to the family residence at around midnight on December 23.
Police told Harmeet, the neighbour stated Harmeet’s husband banged on the neighbour’s door and threatened them. They also said the music was too loud.
But Harmeet said it was a Wednesday evening and her husband was in Toronto.
On Sunday, December 27, the neighbour complained Harmeet’s children were too loud shortly before 6 p.m.
Harmeet showed a text message that stated, “the screaming, yelling and stomping is become quite loud, can you try to keep the volume (and) stomping down.”
At that point, Harmeet was “done” and was tired of the “drama.”
Harmeet went to the neighbour’s to try and work something out, but was told abruptly to leave.
“Then stop terrorizing and shouting at my kids – enough is enough,” she told the neighbour.
When she went back to her residence she phoned police and was surprised at the response, or lack thereof.
Forty-five minutes later with a no-show by the police she phoned again and was told by dispatch police were already there.
When she went outside her door, two police officers were talking to her neighbour, laughing.
“Obviously they know each other. The way they were having a talk.”
When police were done with the neighbour, they stated they had to leave on a priority call, but would return.
“I’m not important. Lady alone with kids.”
That’s when Harmeet loudly told her neighbour (from her front step) to stop terrorizing her family.
“The police who were on the road started yelling at me to go back inside.”
Police left, but Harmeet wasn’t satisfied at the level of service she received from the officers and called Port Hope Councillor John Bickle.
Harmeet said, Bickle stated that police should have come to her first.
“If you called them, they should have come to you.”
“They should have made you feel safe. That’s the job of the police.”
Harmeet said, Bickle stated to call back the police and tell them they needed a female police officer to respond and the two officers should not come back.
When she called dispatch, Harmeet was told the two officers were the only ones on duty that evening. Harmeet stated she did not want them to return to her residence.
But it all came to a head on Monday, December 28, 2020 when three police officers showed up to her front door shortly before 1 p.m.
Harmeet and one of her children took partial videos that was sent to Today’s Northumberland.
The officer told Harmeet to come outside because he had papers to give her.
Harmeet said she found it, “strange” that she had to step out of her residence to receive papers.
“I still had Mr. John Bickle’s words in my mind. That men are not supposed to come. A lady should be present.”
“And I was scared. The way they behaved last night. I didn’t know what they would do.”
Talking to the police at her front door, police said it would be better if her children weren’t present and Harmeet told them to go upstairs.
When that happened, the officer grabbed her arm, took her into custody and stated she was under arrest.
Harmeet was never put in handcuffs, but told to sign papers and she would be released.
She was charged with mischief and has a February court date.
The woman was so upset she went to Northumberland Hills Hospital to be treated for what happened to her.
“Why did he grab my arm and pull me out – just to show everyone around that a woman is to be suppressed.”
“I’m Punjabi, we don’t go grabbing, hugging, kissing each others arms. That’s very invasive for me – without the presence of my husband, my father or my brother there.”
“We are in a multi-cultural Canadian country where we believe that everyone is equal – male or female. All religions are to be respected.”
“He was being very secretive at what he has come to do.”
Harmeet said it should have been explained better to her the procedure at what was happening.
“What was wrong with saying that?”
“I would have said ok”
For the entire month, Harmeet said, “I’m at my wits end” trying to keep everything quiet around her while taking care of the children, then being charged by the police.
It appears her children aren’t even allowed to play in their own home.
“I thought I’d be happy in this neighbourhood and in Port Hope,” she said breaking down in tears.
“I don’t want to stay here,” after living in her new home for a month.
‘It’s all being done because of my ethnicity.”
“I’m sorry I moved here. Just let me go peacefully.”
“It is racism – nothing else.”
Today’s Northumberland reached out to Port Hope Police Acting Inspector Katie Andrews who stated, “the only thing I can say is we get a lot of neighbour disputes and they are tough calls.
Especially when living in attached/row houses. People are mad if we charge and mad if we don’t. They are tough. I’ve been involved in many.”
“With the help of community partners we will try and help Harmeet navigate through her process and what it looks like moving forward for both owner/residents.”
Harmeet has also filed a complaint with Office of the Independent Police Review Director (OIPRD).
Harmeet has also e-mailed Port Hope Mayor Bob Sanderson and Acting Inspector Andrews. Their responses are below.
Acting Inspector Katie Andrews
Good evening,
I am aware of the charge of mischief which occurred at your home. I want to advise you that you must attend the Port Hope Police Service for fingerprinting, as it states on your release document. If you do not attend you could be looking at another charge of fail to appear.
I see by your emails you are extremely upset, and I am aware how difficult neighbour disputes can be.
If you feel the officers involved did not treat you properly you can always file a complaint with the Office of the Independent Police Review Director. This can be done online at www.oiprd.on.ca. you can also telephone them at 416 246 7071 during business hours.
We have many community partners that can help you by speaking to you. I know we are in lockdown, however we can arrange this through zoom or telephone calls.
It must be extremely difficult looking after 3 kids alone all week when your husband is away working two jobs. That alone is very stressful.
I am willing to speak directly to you over the phone during the day.
Thank you
Inspector Katie Andrews
Mayor Bob Sanderson
God morning Harmeet. I have received your email and am very sorry to hear of your stress and your situation. It is a time to be kind to each other and I understand it is stressful for many.
Can you please provide me with your address? I expect our police to be supportive of all our residents and to ensure we all feel and are safe. I will follow up with councillor Bickle and will get back to you soon. I personally welcome you to Port Hope.
Bob
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
