YVES Castonguay, wanted on a B.C.-wide warrant for writing disturbing, racist remarks on the Chinese Cultural Centre, has been arrested and is back in custody.

“We know this incident effected members of the East Asian community greatly, and quite frankly, all Vancouverites”, said Constable Tania Visintin. “Investigators will continue to work on files with a hate element to ensure suspects are held accountable.”

On April 2, 2020, Castonguay, 47, allegedly entered the courtyard of the Chinese Cultural Centre on Keefer Street in Chinatown and wrote disturbing, racist remarks targeting the East Asian community on four large glass windows. He was charged on March 30 for one count of public incitement of hatred and one count of mischief to property and a B.C.-wide warrant was issued.

Earlier this month, Visintin said: “Vancouver Police saw a 717 per cent increase in crimes that contained an element of hate, bias, and prejudice last year, with people of East Asian descent being the primary targets. The criminal charge for public incitement of hatred is a serious, specific charge that is rarely used. We are pleased that investigators were able to secure it.”

Anyone who is the victim of a crime is asked to call VPD non-emergency line at 604-717-3321.  For all emergencies and crimes in progress contact 9-1-1.