Calgary man charged in Pride crosswalk vandalism was motivated by hate, police say

Calgary police have charged a man accused of vandalizing the Pride crosswalk in downtown Calgary and say there's sufficient evidence to support "ahate bias motivation" for the offence.

The charge comes one day after police released images of the vandalism.

Kevin James Gavel, 54, of Calgary, is charged with one count of mischief, accused of scrawling "shoot a faggit" on the crosswalk on Aug. 18.

The hate motivation will be considered by a judge in the case of a guilty verdict and could increase the severity of any sentence.

Police say they determined there was a "hate bias" after interviewing the accused.

Gavel is not allowed within 500 metres of the permanent Pride or trans crosswalks on Stephen Avenue.

Second suspect sought

This was the second incident involving vandalism of the crosswalks.

The other incident took place at 4:15 a.m. onAug. 14.

Footage from nearby cameras showa man in construction clothes and a hard hat setting up traffic cones and a signon the roadway before spray painting "Lust" on the pride crosswalkand "Lost" on the trans crosswalk.

Calgary Pride crosswalk vandalism

5 years ago

Duration 3:06

Calgary police released footage of a suspect vandalizing the Pride crosswalk.

Police do not believe the two incidents are related and continue to search for the person responsible for the Aug. 14 vandalism.

Anyone with information on either incident is asked to contact Calgary police at 403-266-1234 or provide tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.