Edmonton police investigating possible hate incident after Muslim woman struck in parking lot

The accused made several "racist and xenophobic" comments during the exchange, police said

Assault and hit-and-run charges have been laid against an Edmonton woman who allegedly used her vehicle to strike a Muslim woman during a “hate-motivated” incident in a north-side parking lot. Edmonton police on Thursday announced charges against the 37-year-old, who turned herself in July 9, more than a month after the alleged assault. Police said the victim was struck the evening of May 27 in a parking lot off 82 Street and 144 Avenue.

The victim, who wears a hijab, told police the accused boxed her in after complaining about how she parked her car. The accused made several “racist and xenophobic” comments during the exchange, police said. “Ultimately, while the complainant was on foot outside her vehicle, the suspect drove towards her, striking her with the front bumper and then leaving the scene without exchanging information, rendering aid to the victim, or reporting the collision to police,” Edmonton police said Thursday.

“It is believed the victim, who wears a hijab, was targeted based on her religious and/or cultural identity.” The accused, Kelly Smith, turned herself in on July 9, police said. She was released on a promise to appear after being charged with assault with a weapon and criminal hit and run.

Police said they believe the offences may have been “motivated by hatred,” which courts can consider during sentencing if an accused is convicted. “The EPS takes hate-motivated incidents and crimes very seriously,” police hate crimes unit Sgt. Amanda Ross said in a news release.

“These events hurt not only the victim, but the vicarious trauma has an impact on entire communities. This incident caused fear and concern within the Muslim community in Edmonton and the surrounding area, and police want to assure the community that this report was thoroughly investigated as a hate-motivated crime.” The parking lot assault took place the same month as a potentially hate-motivated road rage incident in St. Albert involving a Muslim man.

Ali Wahad Noor said he was followed and beaten up by a motorist after leaving his mosque May 1. Ryan Richard Lacasse was charged with aggravated assault and uttering threats and is next due in court July 20. You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber.

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