Bystander assaulted after recording downtown dispute: Police

An 18-year-old was sent to hospital Wednesday evening after he reportedly filmed what police called “two large groups of youth engaged in a verbal confrontation” in Saskatoon’s downtown core.

Police said the incident happened around 5:30 p.m. on 20th Street near Third and Fourth Avenue South. The police service received multiple calls about the confrontation, including a report that one or more firearms had been pointed.

Both groups took off, police said, but not before assaulting a bystander who was uninvolved beyond the fact he was recording the incident.

The 18-year-old bystander was taken to hospital for treatment, and police said his injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.

Officers were able to arrest one of the suspects involved — a 25-year-old man who has since been charged with assault causing bodily harm — and also located an imitation gun that had been discarded nearby.

“This investigation is ongoing and additional charges are expected,” police said in a statement.

“Investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident, any person or business with video evidence to offer, and/or those with information otherwise believed to be relevant to contact the Saskatoon Police Service at 306-975-8300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.”