The Regina Police Service has concluded its investigation into a complaint of an assault, alleged to have occurred on Wednesday, July 26, 2017, at a business in the 2300 block of Prince of Wales Drive. After a comprehensive investigation, police have concluded the case. There will be no criminal charges resulting from the investigation.
This investigation began with a report, on July 26, 2017, from a 53 year-old male, who indicated he’d been assaulted, earlier that day, by another male, who was, at the time, an employee of the business located in the 2300 block of Prince of Wales Drive. Preliminary investigation indicated the male victim was a customer in the store and was, at one point, approached by a 44 year-old male staff member who asked him to leave the premises. The victim refused to leave and what began as a verbal exchange between both parties, led to the employee physically removing the 53 year-old male from the store. The allegation of assault received a great deal of attention on social media and led to peaceful, public protests in front of the business involved.
The investigation into the allegation of assault gathered all available evidence, including the statements of those involved, as well as witnesses. Available video was considered, including video recorded by the victim. This investigation was made more complex by a non-criminal allegation regarding the motivation of the store employee. The complexity of the case, and the sensitivity surrounding it, prompted the Regina Police Service to consult with Prosecutions Branch of Saskatchewan Justice. This is not an everyday occurrence, but such consultations do occur when police feel it necessary to obtain a more detailed interpretation of the law. It was the recommendation of Prosecutions that no charges be laid; therefore, the matter has been concluded without criminal charges. The complainant was advised of the outcome of the case, today, in a personal meeting with police and Crown.
The criminal investigation into this matter is now closed. The Regina Police Service thanks the parties involved and the public for their patience and cooperation.