Woman trapped in tipped porta-potty during alleged hate-motivated assault; two men charged
On July 2, Calgary police say two men pushed over a portable washroom with a woman inside near a Macleod Trail restaurant. Both face assault charges.
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Two men have been charged with assault causing bodily harm following an incident on July 2 in which a woman was trapped inside a portable washroom that was pushed over near a restaurant on Macleod Trail north of Southland Drive.
According to Calgary police, the woman was using the portable washroom when two men approached, pushed it over, and fled. The door slammed against the pavement. Witnesses helped the woman out of the washroom and called police. She was taken to hospital after exposure to waste matter and chemicals, but has since recovered.
The Hate Crime Prevention Team reviewed security footage and spoke with witnesses and the victim. Police determined the men made comments about the woman's gender and ethnicity, and that hate motivation was a factor in the assault.
Tyson David Cann, 24, of Calgary, and Fynn Storm Ferrier, 24, of Kimberley, B.C., have each been charged with assault causing bodily harm. Under Canadian law, courts consider hate motivation only after a conviction. If a judge decides hate played a role, it becomes an aggravating factor that can increase the sentence.
Anyone with information is asked to call Calgary police at 403-266-1234 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.
The facts
What happened on July 2 near Macleod Trail in Calgary?
Two men pushed over a portable washroom with a woman inside near a restaurant on Macleod Trail north of Southland Drive. The woman was taken to hospital after exposure to waste matter and chemicals, but has since recovered.
Who was charged in the incident?
Tyson David Cann, 24, of Calgary, and Fynn Storm Ferrier, 24, of Kimberley, B.C., have each been charged with assault causing bodily harm.
Did police determine hate motivation was involved?
Yes. Calgary's Hate Crime Prevention Team reviewed security footage and determined the men made comments about the woman's gender and ethnicity, and that hate motivation was a factor in the assault.
