New Year’s bus stop assault may be racially motivated, police say

A Calgary man is facing an aggravated assault charge after a man was attacked while waiting at a downtown bus stop on New Year’s Day, an unprovoked assault that police say could be racially motivated.

About 7:35 a.m. on Jan. 1, a man in his 40s waiting at a bus stop on 5th Avenue east of 2nd Street S.W. was attacked by a stranger. A Calgary Transit bus driver called police after witnessing the attack.

The driver also administered first aid to the victim, who was later taken to hospital in serious but stable condition. He suffered cuts to his face that required surgery.

Shortly after the assault, police arrested a suspect two blocks south of the scene of the attack.

William Potter, 28, is charged with one count of aggravated assault. He is scheduled to appear in court on Friday.

Police say they believe the attack may have been a hate-motivated crime, with the victim being targeted for his race. Police say they believe the attack may be related to other, similar occurrences but declined to say which incidents could be connected.

The CPS hate-crimes unit is involved in the ongoing investigation.