Police in Canada have charged three men with assault after attacking a gay couple. The men in question verbally harassed and physically assaulted the couple before driving off, dragging one of the victims behind their car.
Law enforcement has charged James Ley, 23, and Eric Artindale & Roarke McCooeye, both 21, with assault. Ley was also charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle.
Related: His attackers yelled “f*ggot” as they beat him. Cops say it’s not a hate crime.
The Canadian website Simcoe reports that the three suspects drove past the area and noticed the gay couple walking along the waterfront in the city of Orilla on August 28. As they noticed the couple holding hands, the three assailants began shouting homophobic slurs. The car then left the area, only to drive back a second time. At that point, one of the suspects sprayed beer on the couple and hurled a can at one of the men. When the car returned a third time, one of the victims tried to confront the men about their harassment. Then things took a more violent turn.
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As the victim approached the car to confront the driver, the three suspects drove off, dragging the victim along beside the car. The car drove about 25 meters (82 feet) before coming to a stop. Luckily, the victim was not seriously injured.
Police arrived on the scene shortly thereafter and arrested Ley, Artindale and McCooeye. All three suspects have since been released, pending a court date on November 17.
Gadfeal
In Canada? Has the Trump Derangement Syndrome spread across the border?
GayNgaka
Sadly we do have ultra-right racists here in Canada but it’s not accepted nearly as much as in the States. Here, they’re considered to be radicals with nothing more to give society than debate.
Chrisk
They released them after such a violent attack? Yeah, lets wait till Nov so they can cause some more mayhem.
GayNgaka
Good comment, but here in Canada November won’t make much of a difference unless Trump is re-elected to destroy the world order.
Dymension
And I thought Canada was much better…
MichaelannD
If they have no record & a job, it’s not unusual for bail to be granted in a case like this. That’s true here in Canada just as it is in the US.
Karrnal
I’m not blaming the victims, but it’s not at all prudent to engage your harassers. How about a quick exit from the scene?
CityguyUSA
Really, they should be walking around free?