THUNDER BAY -- City police are investigating a disturbing letter that was hand delivered to the Brodie Street Library Saturday, adding they are investigating it as a hate crime.
Thunder Bay Police Service officials say the letter was dropped off at the library around 7 a.m. Sept. 13. Few details are known about its contents, but police say they are investigating a hate crime aimed against the area’s Aboriginal population.
"Our officers attended the Brodie Street Library at the request of the staff, where they discovered a letter that had been dropped into their night box drop over the weekend," police spokeswoman Const. Julie Tilbury said on Tuesday.
Asked what was in the letter, Tilbury said it was too early in the investigation to make the contents public.
"We are not releasing the details of what the letter did state. However we can say it is a very disturbing letter against the Aboriginal population which would cause concern."
Asked if the city's Aboriginal population should fear the content of the letter and take precaution, Tilbury said they are taking precautions they feel are prudent.
"We are putting this information out because we feel it is necessary for people to understand this letter was received. Because we are in the early stages we don't know what the actual intent of the letter was. So we are putting this information out to the public so everyone can be aware and so they can take the necessary steps," Tilbury said.
Police have released a video of a male suspected delivering the letter into the nighttime book drop box located at the Brodie Street entrance.
The man is described as wearing all dark clothing including a sweater, toque and gloves.
As of Tuesday afternoon, police say only one such letter is known to exist.
Investigators are asking that if any other business or person receives such a letter that they contact the police immediately at 684-1200.
Anyone with any information about this letter or knowledge of who may be responsible is asked to contact the police and or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.tipsubmit.com.
