Ruth Lovell says it would be `naive’ to think racism didn’t play a role in the Tuesday night attack, which police have said began as a case of mistaken identity.
Police say a female — who had been drinking — mistook the 42 year old victim — who is black — for another man and began verbally and physically assaulting him.
The accosted man held the female in one arm while calling police on his cellphone with the other before the woman went to an apartment and summoned a group of men.
The victim was punched, kicked, struck with a two by four and stabbed in the chest at least once.
Police have described his injuries as ” close to life threatening ” — but his condition has improved to the point where investigators have talked to the 42 year old man.
Shawn Dyer, Cody Doherty and Blaine McEachern — all 19 years old — are each charged with assault with a weapon and aggravated assault.
A 17 year old female is also charged with assault.
Lovell says she visited the victim last night and apologized for the actions of the young residents and also assured him it was not a reflection of the community.
The 146th Emancipation Festival begins today in Owen Sound and hundreds of people are expected in the City this weekend for the celebrations.
Mayor Lovell is worried there will be ” a big elephant ” in the room when the celebrations begin tonight because of the attack.
She adds it would be unfair as a community to not let the visitors know they share their pain.
Owen Sound is considered the Underground Railroad’s most northerly safe-haven.
