Ontario Premier Doug Ford has delivered a strong message to the parents of two boys accused of attacking an Air Cadets commanding officer in Hamilton, suggesting that they should take their children home and discipline them. Ford said parents should give their children a good spanking in a woodshed.
Ford made the remarks during a news conference following Hamilton Police charges last week against a 12-year-old boy and a 48-year-old woman in connection with an alleged assault on a 59-year-old Air Cadets commanding officer.
According to police, the incident took place at the Centre on Barton shopping mall in Hamilton, where Captain Kenneth Kunkel, commanding officer of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, was distributing red poppies with young cadets ahead of Remembrance Day.
During the event, two boys approached the group and sounded a loud air horn near the ears of the young cadets. Captain Kunkel followed the boys and attempted to confront them at a nearby restaurant, where a physical altercation reportedly broke out.
Woman and 12-Year-Old Boy Allegedly Attacked Cadet Officer
Police said a 48-year-old woman, identified as Estella Quintanilla, intervened to help the boys and allegedly attacked the cadet officer, causing him to fall to the ground. The 12-year-old boy also allegedly struck him multiple times during the incident.
According to Captain Kunkel’s family, he sustained serious injuries and is currently unable to walk.
His daughter, Kimberly Dietrich, told CBC on November 5 that her father was working towards recovery. However, she said the family was taking things one day at a time as they dealt with the difficult situation.
Serious Charges Laid Against Suspects
Hamilton Police said the 12-year-old boy is facing charges of assault causing bodily harm and assault, while the 48-year-old woman has also been charged with assault causing bodily harm.
The second boy involved in the incident was not arrested, as investigators determined after reviewing video footage that further police action against him was not necessary.
The charges laid by police have not yet been proven in court.
Meanwhile, Hamilton’s newly elected mayor, Keanin Loomis, expressed deep concern over the incident and extended his support to Captain Kunkel, his family and the Air Cadets community. He also wished the injured officer a speedy recovery and full restoration of his health.
Concerns Over Doug Ford’s Comments on Criminal Cases
Premier Doug Ford has previously made public comments about various criminal cases. However, some lawyers have raised concerns about such statements, arguing that public officials should exercise caution when commenting on matters that are before the courts.
They have warned that public remarks by political leaders could potentially influence jury opinions and interfere with judicial proceedings.
