HATE-MOTIVATED INCIDENT 26-106668

HATE-MOTIVATED INCIDENT IN DOWNTOWN LONDON
London man charged 

LONDON, ON (October 24, 2026) – Members of the London Police Service have charged a London man following an investigation into a hate-motivated incident that occurred in the downtown core.

On October 22, 2026, police were made aware of an incident that took place in the rear parking lot of a property located in the 0-100 block of St. George Street. It was reported that a male who was completing construction work at the address used equipment, believed to be a pressure washer, to create a symbol resembling a swastika in the gravel surface of the parking lot.

Nearby residents captured video and photographs of the incident and provided the information to police. The property owner was notified and attended the location, removing the symbol.

On October 23, 2026, members of the London Police Service identified and arrested the suspect male.

The investigation was reassigned to members of the London Police Service Hate Crime Unit, and the incident was determined to have been motivated by hatred.

As a result of the investigation, Gordon Botaitis, 56, of London, has been charged with one count of offence motivated by hatred.

The accused was released from custody and is expected to appear in London court on January 18, 2027, in relation to the charge.

Hate has no place in our city. The London Police Service is committed to protecting the safety and well-being of all members of our community and recognizes the significant harm that hate-motivated incidents can cause. Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected in our city. Any incident believed to be motivated by hate will be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated. The London Police Service remains committed to working with our community to address hate and ensure London remains a safe and inclusive place for all.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to call the London Police Service at (519) 661-5670. 

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26-106668