Montreal authorities investigating violent attack on father of Jewish descent, captured on camera
In a shocking incident, Montreal police are investigating an attack on a Jewish father that took place in the Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension borough on August 8, 2025. The assault, which occurred around 2:45 p.m. at a splash pad in Dickie Moore Park, has sparked widespread condemnation and concern.
The victim, a 32-year-old man, was with his three children at the time of the attack. According to reports, the suspect, later identified as Sergio Yanes Preciado, a 23-year-old Montreal resident, allegedly sprayed the man with water from a bottle, pushed him to the ground, and proceeded to punch and knee him. The assault was partially captured on video, which spread widely on social media.
The video shows the suspect beating the father near a splash pad and picking up items in a reusable grocery bag. Two children cling to the father during the assault, adding to the distressing nature of the incident.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, Quebec Premier François Legault, and Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel, among others, have condemned the attack. Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante expressed concern over the "violent and unacceptable attack," while Christopher Skeete, Quebec's minister responsible for the fight against racism, spoke out against the displayed hatred in the attack, emphasizing that all Quebecers have the right to live in safety.
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs has called for action following the release of the video. Israeli officials and the Jewish community have also condemned the violence, with the incident reflecting ongoing tensions and a rise in antisemitic incidents reported in the region since 2023.
Preciado was arrested on August 11, 2025, and charged with assault causing bodily harm. He appeared in court, and the Crown requested a psychosocial evaluation before his next hearing. The judge forbade him from contacting the victim. Police have submitted the investigation report to the Crown prosecutor’s office for potential further charges.
The attack has heightened concerns about antisemitism in Montreal and Canada. The investigation remains active, and police continue to seek any witnesses to the event. The Montreal Police Department urges anyone with information to come forward.
The Montreal Police Department is asking for witnesses to the August 8, 2025 attack on a Jewish father in Toronto's Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension borough, which occurred at a splash pad in Dickie Moore Park and was captured on video. The general news media and community members have expressed concern about the increase in antisemitic incidents in Canada following the attack.
The incident has drawn condemnation from various political figures such as Prime Minister Mark Carney, Quebec Premier François Legault, Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel, and Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante, who have all denounced the assault. Christopher Skeete, Quebec's minister responsible for the fight against racism, also emphasized the need for all Quebecers to live in safety.
Israeli officials and the Jewish community have also addressed the assault as an act of violence, attributing it to ongoing tensions and a rise in antisemitic incidents in the region since 2023. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs has called for further actions. Sergio Yanes Preciado, the 23-year-old suspect responsible for the assault, has been charged with assault causing bodily harm.
The community is urged to cooperate with the investigation, and any possible witnesses to the event are encouraged to come forward to ensure justice is served in this crime-and-justice matter.
