Toronto woman accused of shoving senior to the ground and making anti-East Asian remarks

A Toronto Police Service logo patch is shown in Toronto, on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby

A woman has been arrested after an elderly woman was assaulted in downtown Toronto over the weekend in what police are investigating as a hate-motivated incident.

Police were called to the area of Dundas Street East and Sherbourne Street after reports of an assault.

Police allege the suspect approached the elderly woman from behind and shoved her to the ground, causing her to fall into the roadway.

During the assault, the suspect allegedly made anti-East Asian remarks toward the victim.

The suspect then fled the area before officers arrived.

Police say the victim suffered minor injuries as a result.

On Tuesday, police arrested and charged Thalia Baber, 29, of Toronto with assault.

She is scheduled to appear in court in September.