Unprovoked New Years Day assault a possible hate crime: police

Calgary Police Service have laid charges in what they say was an unprovoked assault downtown on New Year’s Day.

According to a release, on Wednesday, January 1, 2020, at around 7:35 am, a man was waiting at a bus stop on 5 Avenue, east of 2 Street SW, 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.

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

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

Now, 28-year-old William Thomas Potter has been charged with aggravated assault.

“The investigation has revealed the attack may be hate-motivated, and that the victim was targeted for his race,” said CPS in a release.

“It is believed this attack may be linked to several others similar in nature.”

Police say the CPS Hate Crimes Unit is currently supporting the ongoing investigation by District 1 officers.

Police say Potter will next appear in court on Friday, January 3, 2020.