Toronto Police have made an arrest in connection with two disturbing incidents on city buses that are being investigated as hate-motivated offences. A 34-year-old woman now faces criminal charges following an investigation that spanned several weeks.
Charges Laid Following Investigation
Genevieve Reist, aged 34, of Toronto was arrested on November 14, 2025 and charged with criminal harassment. The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice on December 17 to answer to these charges.
The arrest comes after Toronto Police's Hate Crime Unit took over the investigation into two separate incidents that occurred on TTC buses in the Bathurst Street and Sheppard Avenue West area. Both incidents involved young victims being targeted by the same suspect.
Two Separate Incidents Targeting Youth
The first incident occurred on September 15, 2025, when police received a call regarding harassment in the Bathurst Street and Sheppard Avenue West area. According to police reports, three youth victims were on a TTC bus when the suspect engaged with them and made harassing comments.
Witnesses described the suspect as a female with blond hair wearing a beanie hat at the time of this first incident.
The second incident took place on October 31, 2025, in the same general area. Police received another call, this time specifically regarding a hate crime. In this instance, a youth victim was on a TTC bus when the suspect boarded and began engaging with the victim.
The suspect made additional harassing comments before exiting the bus at Bathurst Street and Laurelcrest Avenue. During this second incident, the suspect was described as having black hair and wearing a black jacket, red sweater, and beanie hat.
Police Investigation and Public Appeal
Despite the differing physical descriptions between the two incidents, investigators determined the same person was responsible for both offences. Police released an image of the suspect during their investigation, which ultimately led to Reist's identification and arrest.
The investigation continues to be led by the Toronto Police Service Hate Crime Unit. Police are still asking anyone with information about these cases to come forward. Witnesses or anyone with relevant information can contact police directly at 416-808-3500 or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.222tips.com.
These incidents highlight ongoing concerns about hate-motivated crimes on public transit and the importance of community cooperation with police investigations. The Toronto Police Service emphasizes its commitment to investigating all hate-motivated incidents thoroughly and encourages victims and witnesses to report such occurrences promptly.
