Kingston Police respond to 24 calls regarding COVID-19 protocol violations

On the weekend from Friday, Apr. 3 to Sunday, Apr. 5, 2020, Kingston Police responded to 24 calls regarding alleged breaches of the Emergency Management Civil Protection Act in place during the COVID-19 state of emergency.

Of those calls, the majority were complaints reporting social gatherings, according to police. Officers issued warnings in these cases, but no charges have been laid at this time.

One incident, however, resulted in assault charges after one man took out his frustrations regarding the current restrictions on his roommate.

According to police, that incident occurred on Saturday, Apr. 4, 2020. The accused man and the victim had been consuming alcohol throughout the day at an east end apartment the two share as roommates. After a phone call with his children at approximately 9:15 p.m., the accused man became angry over current societal conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The accused man began a verbal altercation with his roommate, who attempted to walk away, however, the man attacked the victim from behind. The victim was thrown to the ground and the accused man jumped on top of him, striking the victim several times in the face.

The victim managed to escape to another apartment and, having suffered injuries requiring medical attention, was later taken to hospital by paramedics. Police were called, and responding officers located the accused man who was cooperative and arrested without incident.

The 42-year-old Kingston man is charged with aggravated assault.

Kingston Police are asking that all citizens respect the regulations that have been put in place for the health and safety of all. For more information from Kingston Police on COVID-19 and the local police response to governmental orders regarding the virus, click here.

For more information on COVID-19 locally, including links to resources and information on closures, cancellations, and changes to services, visit our quick reference guide here.