Montreal Man Charged in Park Assault of Jewish Father to Undergo Psychiatric Evaluation

Montreal, Quebec – Sergio Yanes Preciado, 23, has been charged with one count of assault causing bodily harm following a violent incident in Dickie Moore Park last Friday, August 8, 2025. The assault, which occurred in front of the victim's young children, has drawn widespread condemnation and renewed focus on rising antisemitism in Canada. Yanes Preciado was arrested on Monday and appeared in court on Tuesday, August 12.

The 32-year-old Jewish father was reportedly sprayed with water by the assailant. When he confronted the individual, he was pushed to the ground, punched, and kneed. A video of the incident, widely circulated online, captured parts of the attack, including the assailant throwing the victim's kippah into a nearby splash pad. The victim sustained facial bruises and a broken nose.

During his court appearance, the Crown objected to Yanes Preciado's release and requested a psychosocial evaluation. A Quebec court judge subsequently ordered a 30-day psychiatric evaluation for Yanes Preciado to determine his criminal responsibility. His case is scheduled to return to court on September 12, 2025.

While police and the Crown have not officially stated a motive, the victim's family and Jewish advocacy groups strongly believe the attack was antisemitic. The organization StopAntisemitism stated in a tweet, > "Sergio Yanes Preciado has been identified as the Jew hating brute who beat up a Jewish man in front of his young children." This sentiment was echoed by the victim's family, who cited the throwing of the kippah as a clear religious affront.

The incident occurs amidst a troubling increase in antisemitic acts across Canada. According to the J7 Annual Report on Antisemitism 2025, antisemitic incidents in Canada rose by 83% from 2021 to 2023. Statistics Canada data for 2024 indicates that Jews, comprising less than 1% of the population, were the most targeted religious group, accounting for 19% of all reported hate crimes. Political figures, including Prime Minister Mark Carney and Quebec Premier François Legault, have condemned the attack, calling for a safe environment for all Canadians.