The Mayor of Owen Sound is "heartbroken and outraged" after a serious assault on a business owner in the city.
Ian Boddy believes that "every member of their community is entitled to live freely, safely, and to prosper, without fear of violence."
A senseless act of violence left the owner of the popular restaurant, The Curry House, fighting for his life in hospital. An employee was also injured in the incident.
Boddy says successful Restauranteur Sharif Rahman is an outstanding member of the community, who serves on City and County Committees. Boddy wants all residents to know that the City takes this very seriously and that Owen Sound Police Services continue to act with urgency to find the individuals responsible.
"An attack like this on one of our business community members is an attack on the entirety of the community," said Boddy. "We all need to stand up against this violence. Please contact the Owen Sound Police Services if you have information on this tragic event that will help the investigation."
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Sharif and Sharif’s wife and children," added Boddy. "For those wanting to help Sharif and his family, a GoFundMe page has been set up to assist the family."
According to investigators, police were called to the business on Second Avenue near Ninth Avenue East at around 9 p.m. on August 17 for a report of an assault.
When officers arrived, they learned three white male suspects had attended the store when an argument ensued. The owner was allegedly assaulted by the men outside the business before they took off.
The victim was located seriously wounded and he was taken to hospital in London with critical injuries.