Calgary man charged over February assault in southeast

A police vehicle is shown at Calgary Police Service headquarters on April 9, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

A Calgary man has been charged in connection with an assault outside a religious institution.

Around 6 p.m. on Feb. 7, a religious event was taking place in the 400 block of Meridian Road S.E.

Before the event started, around a dozen people arrived to protest the gathering in connection with recent geopolitical events taking place in the world.

Police believe the people associated with the centre came outside and verbally threatened the protesters before another man, driving an SUV, steered toward them, striking one.

The victim struck by the vehicle suffered minor injuries.

The CPS hate crime prevention team was called in for the investigation.

Following an investigation and viewing of CCTV footage, CPS charged a 49-year-old Calgary man with one count of an assault with a weapon.

The man is scheduled to appear in court on Friday, May 22.

The question of whether hate motivation was involved remains under investigation.

“We recognize that this incident is closely connected to deeply felt political and human rights tensions internationally, and that members of our community hold strong and differing views,” said Calgary Police Service acting Supt. Cory Ma, in a media release.

“Our role is not to take sides in political disputes,” Ma added. “However when the incident involves threats, violence or intimidation, it is our responsibility to conduct a fair and objective investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 403-266-1234. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online or by downloading the P3 Tips app.