Man arrested for second time in relation to AHS injunction

Earlier today, Wednesday, May 26, 2021, officers from the Edmonton Police Service arrested a man wanted on one criminal code warrant and for a second violation of a Court of Queen’s Bench Order.

Kevin J. JOHNSTON, 49, was wanted on a criminal code warrant for causing a disturbance and for being part of an illegal public gathering in contravention of the Court of Queen’s Bench Order, which was amended on Thursday, May 13, 2021.

The charges relate to an incident that occurred on Saturday, May 22, 2021, at the CORE Shopping Centre in downtown Calgary. Several store employees reported significant concerns for their safety after multiple altercations with JOHNSTON. It is alleged that in several occurrences, JOHNSTON entered stores within the mall without wearing a face mask and once approached by store employees who asked him to put on a mask, he allegedly verbally abused the employees. JOHNSTON then left the stores, only to return moments later with several other people, all who refused to wear masks and joined in on the verbal confrontation with store employees while livestreaming the event.

Many of the employees were young people who were either working alone or with one other person and feared for their safety as a result of the confrontation by the group. This kind of targeted harassment will not be tolerated.

JOHNSTON was located in Edmonton earlier today and was arrested without incident by the Edmonton Police Service. The investigation continues into the actions of the other individuals who were with him at the time of the confrontations with store employees.

We would like to thank EPS for their assistance in this investigation.

Although we all received exciting news about the reopening that will soon come, we continue to ask those who may be considering organizing or participating in any gatherings to ensure they are familiar with current public health order requirements and to continue to do their part to ensure we arrive at a safe reopening.