Calgary, AB,
02
January
2020
|
11:07
America/Denver

Charges laid in unprovoked assault

The Calgary Police Service has charged a man in relation to an unprovoked assault that occurred downtown on New Years Day.

At approximately 7:35 a.m., on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020, a man was waiting at a bus stop on 5 Avenue, east of 2 Street S.W., when he was physically assaulted by a man who was unknown to him. A nearby Calgary Transit bus driver witnessed the attack, called 9-1-1 for assistance and rendered first-aid to the victim.

The victim, a man in his 40s, was taken to hospital in serious but stable condition.

Police located the suspect two blocks south of where the attack occurred and took him into custody.

The investigation has revealed the attack may be hate-motivated, and that the victim was targetted for his race. It is believed this attack may be linked to several others similar in nature. The CPS Hate Crimes Unit is currently supporting the ongoing investigation by District 1 officers.

William Thomas POTTER, 28, has been charged with aggravated assault. He will next appear in court on Friday, Jan. 3, 2020.

Case #20000362