Convoy at the Trailside Tempo gas station in Walsh ( Tiffany Goodwein/ CHATNEWSToday)

By Tiffany Goodwein

Convoy yields support for gas station assault victim

Aug 15, 2020 | 5:11 PM

WALSH, AB- A string of cars and motorcycles made their way to the Trailside Tempo gas station in Walsh, in a herd of support for owner Geoff Shoesmith.

Last weekend Shoesmith was brutally assaulted and knocked unconscious. The incident was caught on surveillance video and showed neighbouring Save On Gas station owner Anwar Kamaran entering the store and punching Shoesmith repeatedly.

The attack, according to Shoesmith happened hours after Kamaran was charged and then released for assaulting Shoesmith’s wife.

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In March, Kamaran was also charged with trying to have another man assault members of the Shoesmith family and uttering threats.

The string of incidents has raised questions about the justice system and whether reforms are needed.

“Absolutely,” Shoesmith said, adding he and his family live in fear of another attack.

“ How do you arrest somebody, and it’s on tape, the RCMP were in my building telling us they had arrested him and not five minutes before he assaults me and then he is let out again, what is wrong with that picture?” Shoesmith said.

Shoesmith said he is not blaming the police, but instead believes the police need more funding and resources to do their job effectively.

“They are underfunded and undermanned like something has got to be fixed,” Shoesmith said.

Some 200 cars and motorcycles drove along Highway 1 and stopped at the station, filling up on gas and food.

“It’s overwhelming,” Shoesmith said,

“ We have had so much support for the local community. Everyone says they are glad we are here, just doing what we normally do, just a normal family gas station and service station,” he added.

One of the many riders who came out to show support was Medicine Hat resident Troy Fandrick.

“To see somebody that’s been so obviously victimized in such a rural area where there isn’t a lot of support, the rest of the community decided we are going to get together come out and show them some support and let him know that he is not alone and we won’t allow bullying.”

Halo Air Ambulance also made an appearance, conducting practice runs above the gas station.

Proceeds from the Trailside Tempo gas station cafe and Baba Cluck went to benefit the air ambulance organization.