Media Release for Tuesday, October 13, 2026

Calls for Service:
(Oct 9 at 8:00am – Oct 10 at 8:00am)  144
(Oct 10 at 8:00am – Oct 11 at 8:00am)  86
(Oct 11 at 8:00am – Oct 12 at 8:00am)  84
(Oct 12 at 8:00am – Oct 13 at 8:00am)  110

Hate/Bias Crime Incident Investigation

The Peterborough Police Service is investigating a hate/bias crime incident involving a Peterborough business.

On Sunday, October 11, 2026, a concerned citizen spotted red paint and writing on the business on Whittington Drive and called police.  Upon arrival, officers observed the damage to the outside of the building and began an investigation. Through the investigation it was learned that the business, GeoSpectrum Technologies Inc., may have been targeted because of its parent company Elbit Systems.  It is believed the damage to the building and an outside communication box happened sometime overnight between Sunday, October 11, 2026, and Monday, October 12, 2026.

The Service is aware of video circulating on social media with claims of responsibility and that information is part of the investigation.

Anyone with further information or video is asked to contact the Peterborough Police Service Crime Line at 705-876-1122 x555 or to remain anonymous you can report through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.stopcrimehere.ca

At this time, this incident has been identified as a hate/bias crime incident.

“Hate has no place in our community.  We thank the concerned citizen for alerting our officers to the damage to this business. The investigation is ongoing and any further details will be released when available,” Stuart Betts, Chief of Police, Peterborough Police Service.

Assault Arrest

A 32-year-old Lakefield man is facing assault charges after an incident on Sunday evening.

At approximately 10:05pm on October 11, 2026, a group of teens were in the area of Ermatinger Street and Concession Street when a man approached and began yelling at them. Upon arrival, officers learned that when the man was asked by the teens to leave them alone he spat on one of them. Through investigation the man was identified. Officers attended his residence and took him into custody.

As a result, a 32-year-old Lakefield man was arrested and charged with:

• Assault

The accused was released on an undertaking with conditions and is scheduled to appear in court January 5, 2027.

Sandra Dueck
Manager, Strategic Communication Services
Peterborough Police Service
876@peterboroughpolice.ca
705-876-1122 x217