Long-time Chinatown security guard 'still traumatized' after random attack; grateful for community support
A well-known security guard in Vancouver’s Chinatown who was attacked by a stranger while on the job said Sunday he’s grateful for the outpouring of support he’s received.
Harold Johnson is still recovering from his injuries after being assaulted on Aug. 12th in the community he’s patrolled for two decades. Bruising could be seen under both of the 64 year-old’s eyes as he stopped by the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese garden on Sunday.
“I’m still traumatized, but I’m going to come back to work,” he said. “I’m not giving up right away.”
Johnson was taking a picture near East Pender and Columbia streets just before the assault.
“He heard the the camera click,” Johnson said. “He dropped his bike. He started swinging and he kicked me twice in the face.”
Vancouver Police said the assault took place around 11 a.m., and added bystanders intervened, and witnesses called 911. A suspect was later arrested in Gastown.
Forty-four year-old Kevin Aaron Hibbard has been charged with assault.
'AN ATTACK ON HAROLD IS AN ATTACK ON CHINATOWN'
Johnson said he’s seen the area change, from a place he described as peaceful, to one in increasing turmoil. He and his wife Brandy, who is also a local shop owner, think he may have been targeted because of his job.
“I told him as he was going out the door, Watch your back, I have a feeling something’s going to happen,'” Brandy said, adding she was just arriving at her Keefer street store when she got the call.
“My heart was beating and of course rushed down to where he was…he was in a lot of pain, I could see that.”
Lorraine Lowe, executive director of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, said they have started an online fundraiser to support Johnson, who had been planning to retire next year.
“Harold’s a part of our family. He’s just an institution. So an attack on Harold is an attack on Chinatown,” she said. “I think what happened to Harold should be a wake-up call for everybody to stop ignoring the fact that there is a serious public safety issue here in Vancouver, not just in Chinatown, but downtown Vancouver.”
Brandy said she has also seen the area decline.
“The merchants are going to come back, and we’re taking it back,” she said. “This is our community.”
Johnson also shared his gratitude for everyone who has reached out with support.
“I want to thank all my merchants, my clients, my friends, my wife for supporting me,” he said.
“That’s all I want to say.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.