A man has been charged after a prominent Calgary radio host was attacked on Monday evening.
According to Calgary police, the incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. in the 100 block of 17 Avenue S.W. The victim, who has been identified as Dave Kelly, was walking in the area when he was approached by a man who began yelling at him.
The man then allegedly punched Kelly in the face, causing him to fall to the ground. The suspect then fled the scene on foot.
Kelly, who is a well-known radio host on 770 CHQR, sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene by paramedics.
Police were able to locate and arrest the suspect a short time later. He has been identified as 32-year-old John Smith and has been charged with assault.
In a statement, Kelly expressed his gratitude to the police for their swift response and to the public for their support.
“I am grateful for the quick response of the Calgary police and for the outpouring of support from the community,” Kelly said. “I am doing well and will continue to do what I love, which is connecting with my listeners on the radio.”
The motive behind the attack is still under investigation, but police say there is no indication that Kelly was targeted because of his profession.
Smith is scheduled to appear in court on January 15, 2022. In the meantime, police are asking anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety in our communities and the need to remain vigilant. We must all work together to ensure the safety and well-being of our fellow citizens.