Mark Childs says he is hoping for a good turnout for a convoy he is organizing to support the Walsh family assaulted over the weekend. (CHAT News Photo).

By Alex McCuaig

Convoy Saturday afternoon

Hat men organize rally to support gas station owner attacked last weekend

Aug 13, 2020 | 4:26 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Two Medicine Hat men are hoping the community will join them in a convoy from the city to Walsh to show support to a gas station owner and his family who were victims of assaults last weekend.

Geoff Shoesmith, his wife and son were assaulted over the course of 24 hours starting on Saturday evening. The neighbouring gas station owner is facing one charge of common assault and two of assault causing bodily harm in connection with the incident.

The attack on the Trailside Tempo owner and his family and broadcast by CHAT News on Wednesday spurred Mark Childs and Shawn Benz to organize the convoy for this Saturday.

Childs said watching the security footage of the attack was disturbing.

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“Reading more into it, looking at the details in the news has shown didn’t make it any better,” said Childs. “So if I can go out, tell them we care, we don’t stand for that sort of stuff, that makes it better. If I was in a situation like that, just having somebody stand with me while everything is getting sorted out would make the difference.”

Childs is encouraging those who wish to take part to meet at the Walmart parking lot before the departure time at 1 p.m. on Saturday.

He is encouraging participants to show support by making a purchase at Trailside Tempo when the convoy reaches its destination.

The assaults came after a year-long feud between the Shoesmiths’ Trailside Tempo and the owner of neighbouring Save On Gas which saw an aggressive price war between the two stations.

Prices at the stations were the lowest in the province for much of this spring, falling below 40-cents a litre at one point.

Anwar Ahmad Kamaran, 44, has been released on conditions to have no contact with the Shoesmiths.

Kamaran’s next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 16.