The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is seeking help from the public to identify two male suspects involved in a west end assault believed to be motivated by hate. .On Saturday, shortly before 5 p.m. a black woman was leaving a business in the area of 114 Avenue and 135 Street when an unknown male approached her and demanded to see the contents of her bag. .When she refused, the male reportedly yelled racial slurs at her while she walked away. .The man continued to follow the woman and yell slurs, despite her repeated requests to be left alone. Moments later, the man approached another male nearby who was on a bicycle and obtained a can of bear spray. .The man then approached the woman again and sprayed her in the face. Both males then reportedly separated and fled the area, one heading north on foot towards 114 Avenue and the other cycling east on 114 Avenue..EMS was contacted and staff at a nearby store provided treatment for the woman’s non-life-threatening injuries. West Branch patrol officers then transported the woman home and initiated the investigation. The EPS Crime and Trauma-Informed Support Services have been providing support to the complainant since the assault occurred..EPS Hate Crimes and Violent Extremism Unit is now investigating this incident and are releasing the photos of the suspects below in hopes that anyone who recognizes the men or witnessed the assault will come forward.. Suspect . Hate crimeBoth suspects with the bike .The suspect who approached the woman is described as an indigenous man in his 30s with an average build and average height who was wearing all black clothing and black ankle high winter boots..The man riding the bicycle is described as indigenous and was reportedly wearing a black jacket and a red hat. His bicycle was described as BMX style and black in colour..Anyone who witnessed the assault or has information about the suspects is asked to contact the Edmonton Police Service at (780) 423-4567 or Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 222-8477. .This incident comes after two Ukrainian organizations called on Edmonton police in March to investigate a hate crime after hockey fans were allegedly assaulted by Russian-speaking men following an Edmonton Oilers game..READ MORE: Ukrainians allege ‘hate crime’ after Oilers game.The Ukrainian Canadian Congress Alberta Provincial Council and Ukrainian Canadian Congress said members of their community adorned with their country’s flags and other symbols were taking photos outside of Rogers Place when they were attacked by a group of men who spoke and yelled in Russian..They said the assault involved multiple assailants who punched, kicked and grabbed the necks of Ukrainian fans. This incident followed a 50/50 draw, with the proceeds going to humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine.
