A Lloydminster resident is speaking out after what he says were several incidents of harassment while walking to and from work in the city.
Justin Vankougnett says he regularly walks late in the evening and wants others who have experienced similar behaviour to know they are not alone.
According to Vankougnett, the most recent incident happened on Nov. 7 when a truck carrying several young people drove past him. He says occupants yelled at him, asked if he was a “crack head,” and threw an object toward him that narrowly missed.
He says a similar incident occurred on Oct. 28 when a truck passed him, and someone threw a piece of ice that struck him in the shoulder, causing minor pain.
Vankougnett says he has experienced similar incidents on five separate nights. He also recalls an occasion when people in a passing vehicle directed racial slurs at him.
After sharing his concerns on social media, Vankougnett said his goal is to bring attention to the issue and make it clear that harassment of pedestrians is unacceptable.
“I am not a target for harassment,” he said, adding that he believes others in the community may have experienced similar behaviour.
Vankougnett encourages anyone who experiences harassment, objects being thrown from vehicles, or other concerning behaviour to report it to police and provide any evidence available to assist with investigations.
Despite the incidents, he says he remains proud to call Lloydminster home.
“I love this city, and I’m grateful to live here with all of you,” Vankougnett said. “I hope we can be a community that supports one another and treats each other with respect.”
