A Toronto man had been arrested by police for a hate-motivated assault in New Toronto.

Police from 22 Division said the incident occurred on March 30 around 1:20 p.m. in the Lake Shore Blvd. W. and Superior Ave. area.

It is alleged a 50-year-old woman was walking in the area when ‘she was approached by an unknown who made anti-Asian comments,’ according to a police release.

“After consultation with the Service’s specialized Hate Crime Unit, the assault is being treated as a hate crime,” police said.

Jeffrey Spanton, 49, was arrested on April 22 and charged with assault.

He appeared in a Toronto West Court, on Finch Ave. W., that same day.

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