The Waterloo Regional Police Service is asking for help from the public after a hit-and-run crash turned into a physical assault in Waterloo, Ontario. On February 26, 2026, at about 11:10 a.m., two cars were involved in a minor collision at the intersection of University Avenue East and Bridge Street West.
Police say one of the drivers began shouting racial slurs at a 65-year-old man who was driving the other vehicle. The suspect then physically attacked the man and caused more damage to his car before driving away from the scene. The victim did not report any physical injuries to the officers following the encounter.
Investigators are now looking for anyone who saw the crash or has video of the incident. Residents and business owners near the Grand River-Rim Park area are being asked to check their security cameras or dashcam footage from that Thursday morning.
This incident happened while the region is working to lower the number of crimes motivated by hate. While these crimes dropped by 36 per cent in 2024, the community still sees some of the highest rates of these reports in Canada. As of late 2025, the region also ranked among the top five worst in Ontario for almost every crime category.
Anyone with information or video is asked to contact the Waterloo Regional Police Service. When providing a tip, people should use the reference number WA26028047.
