A man has been charged with assault after police say he ripped a turban off another man’s head in downtown Toronto.

The alleged incident happened at Yonge-Dundas Square at 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday.

Police say a 35-year-old man was sitting in the square with his family when a man approached the victim from behind and tore off his turban.

The suspect proceeded to make derogatory comments and fled the scene.

People in the area who witnessed what happened called police.

Robin Kelly Skani, 31, of no fixed address, appeared in court on Thursday. He is being held until his bail hearing on Friday.