Police charge security guard with aggravated assault

Lethbridge Police have charged a 27-year-old male with aggravated assault in connection with an incident where a bar patron sustained life-threatening injuries.

On October 26, police responded to a report that a 19-year-old male had been knocked out by a security guard contracted to work at an event hosted by a licensed establishment along the 3500 block of Mayor Magrath Drive South. The injured male was identified, but had left the scene prior to police arrival. He later attended Chinook Regional Hospital for treatment of a head injury and was subsequently air-lifted to Calgary in critical condition.

Following further investigation, including a review of CCTV footage of the incident, it was determined the victim had previously left a line-up in the parking lot while waiting to get inside the business and was walking back towards the building when he was approached by a security guard, punched in the face and fell to the ground, striking his head on the pavement. 

The victim was discharged from hospital October 30 and continues to recover.

The 27-year-old security guard, whose name is being withheld by police, is charged with one count of aggravated assault. Following a Judicial Interim Release hearing, he was released from custody and is scheduled to attend court November 27.  

Police are withholding the name of the accused to ensure the integrity of a separate, but related investigation into allegations he has received threats of harm in the aftermath of the assault incident.