St. John’s business owner raises downtown safety concerns after friend allegedly assaulted, S’Pairs Optical gives back
A St. John’s business owner is raising concerns about safety downtown after he says his friend was assaulted while walking along the street Thursday morning.
In a Facebook post, Darren Holloran said his friend, Michael So, was walking to buy a present for a staff member when a woman allegedly came out of a store and punched him in the face, breaking his glasses.
Holloran said police were contacted and So provided a statement. He said he was frustrated after being told officers knew the woman’s identity, but that she would likely be released shortly after an arrest. The incident has prompted Holloran to call for greater accountability, as well as improved access to treatment and support for people struggling with addiction and mental health challenges.
Meanwhile, S’Pairs Optical in St. John’s stepped in to help So get a new pair of glasses. In a social media post, the business said it was saddened to hear what happened. The optical store said it was happy to fit So with new SEA Eyewear frames, adding a message encouraging people to be kind.
Holloran said concerns about safety in downtown St. John’s have been growing for some time, adding that people should feel safe walking along Water Street in the middle of the day.
He also urged people who encounter So to show him kindness, saying his friend had a difficult day.
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