Four more arrested in alleged hate-motivated attacks targeting Toronto’s Jewish community

Toronto Police have arrested four additional suspects in connection with two alleged hate-motivated attacks targeting members of the Jewish community in North York, while two other suspects remain outstanding. Both incidents allegedly involved the use of an imitation firearm.

The first incident occurred on April 30 in the Bathurst Street and Lawrence Avenue West area, where three members of the Jewish community were walking outdoors. According to police, a person inside a vehicle fired at them, causing minor injuries to one victim. The second incident took place on the night of May 7 near Bathurst Street and Highway 401, where a small group standing outside a synagogue was allegedly shot at with an imitation firearm from a vehicle. One person was injured.

Police say a blue Lexus SUV was used in both incidents. An 18-year-old Vaughan resident, Ruslan Novruzov, was arrested earlier in the investigation.

Following further investigation, police arrested four additional suspects on May 22:

Luka Chokheli, 20, of Toronto, charged with three counts of assault with a weapon and one count of possession of a weapon.

Alishahin Isayev, 23, of Toronto, charged with three counts of assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon, and mischief interfering with property.

A 16-year-old male youth, charged with three counts of assault with a weapon and one count of possession of a weapon.

A 17-year-old female youth from Thornhill, charged with three counts of assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon, and mischief interfering with property.

Under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the identities of the youth accused cannot be published.

Police say one male and one female suspect remain unidentified and outstanding. The incidents continue to be investigated as hate-motivated offences, with investigators noting that hate can be considered an aggravating factor during sentencing if a conviction is secured.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Toronto Police or Crime Stoppers anonymously.