Fundraiser for hurt guard suspended

New information in the case of the Walmart security guard critically injured in an apparent instance of rage over COVID-19 shopping restrictions shows there might be more behind the incident than first reported, according to the La Tribune newspaper. An online fundraiser that raised more than $160,000 for the victim’s family has also been suspended, with organizers saying they now want to wait until “more light is shed on the matter.” Over the weekend, Sherbrooke police said 35-year-old security guard Phillipe Jean was injured after he refused a man and his partner entry to a local Walmart store because of physical distancing regulations. Police said a dispute in the parking lot then ended with Jean being struck by a car, dragged for several metres and thrown from its roof. Nacime Kouddar, 25, was formally charged in the incident Monday. He faces charges of criminal negligence causing bodily harm, assault with a weapon, aggravated assault and failure to stop after an accident. Jean is still fighting for his life in a hospital. But according to La Tribune, Kouddar’s defence lawyer plans on introducing security camera footage into evidence during his bail hearing that captured what led to the incident. The Sherbrooke-based newspaper is reporting the video, as well as information gathered from witnesses, shows that Jean first chased after Kouddar in the parking lot after the two got into a verbal altercation. After catching up to him, Jean then exited his car and jumped on top of Kouddar’s car, at which point Kouddar drove off. Kouddar’s defence lawyer could not immediately be reached for comment Tuesday. The fundraiser’s organizers said they suspended the initiative after the new details were reported Tuesday. “All donations made are for the time being frozen and safe until more light is shed on this matter.”