One person arrested following Friday morning assault in Barrie
One person has been taken into custody in connection to an alleged assault in Barrie on Friday morning.
The arrest is believed to be tied to what the Downtown Barrie BIA called a verbal and physical assault against Shak Edwards, the owner of the recently opened Shak's World in the downtown core.
"I was opening the door and heard someone scream, 'how are you working when there are white women in this country not working,'" said Edwards.
The minute-long video also shows the woman yelling "get out of this [expletive]country" and "tell your Taliban friends because we have them too" towards Edwards.
When the camera is facing the pavement, Edwards says that she was punched in the head several times before two women stepped in to break up the assault.
"I am forever grateful for them," said Edwards inside Shak's World.
The two women who shielded Edwards from the attacker are Sarah Jensen and Jenn Guerin.
Both told CTV News that the woman stopped her car on Maple Avenue before charging towards Edwards, yelling racial slurs. When the woman approached Edwards, the two say, she began throwing punches.
"We were just worried about protecting Shak and making sure that she was safe because she was clearly the target," said Guerin.
"It was so surreal and happened so quickly there wasn't time to think," said Jensen.
After creating some space between the woman and Edwards, the video shows the attacker retreating to her vehicle.
Before she could flee the scene, Edwards says she went to film the vehicle's license plate to provide to police.
The vehicle can be seen in the video reversing in the direction of Edwards.
"I was thinking; I hope this lady doesn't kill me. She was so upset," said Edwards.
According to Barrie Police, the 30-year-old female suspect was arrested Friday by Orillia OPP on an unrelated matter. After that investigation, the accused was brought back to Barrie. She faces various assault charges and is being held for a bail hearing. condemn those that tear it down."
Edwards told CTV News she hopes this incident can be seen as an example of the challenges people of colour face in Barrie, but it won't discourage her from continuing to show up to work and provide a safe space for Barrie's youth.
"If I'm scared to go outside because there could be people out to get me, that's changed how we operate, but it won't stop our mission," said Edwards.
As a result of the incident, the Downtown Barrie BIA is donating $500 to Shak's World, which provides youth with a safe place for physical and mental wellness opportunities.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.