RCMP say they’ve made an arrest after a “devastating” assault on a New Brunswick musician this previous weekend.
John McLaren, a solo musician from Shediac, N.B., had been acting at Comfortable Craft Brewing at 800 Major St. in Moncton on Saturday earlier than the assault.
Codiac Regional RCMP mentioned their officers responded to a report of an assault within the space at about 11:50 p.m. They mentioned they responded to the report close to 889 Major St., however that primarily based on particulars from their investigation, the assault is more likely to have occurred close to 806 Major St.
They discovered a 37-year-old man injured and unconscious. He was rushed to hospital with what had been believed to be severe accidents. As of Monday, McLaren was within the intensive care unit.
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The suspect had fled the realm earlier than police arrived.
On Tuesday, police situated and arrested a person at a house on Weldon Avenue.
Luke Powers appeared in Moncton provincial court docket Wednesday and was charged with aggravated assault. He was remanded into custody pending a court docket look Friday.
“John’s an ideal man, straight ethical compass, he would by no means need something damaging upon anybody,” mentioned Ryan Mazerolle, a guitarist from the band Earlier than the Dinosaurs.
“The truth that it occurred to him could be very devastating to the general group.”
Within the days after the assault, some artists say they’re hesitant to play within the Moncton space.
Michel LeBlanc instructed International Information that McLaren was “such an excellent individual” and that there was “no manner” he did something to deserve being attacked.
“Disenchanted that these items hold occurring in Moncton, and particularly to somebody like him,” LeBlanc mentioned.
As a result of issues over violence, some musicians have mentioned they take further steps when loading and unloading gear at venues to make sure security.
“Even earlier than our first gig, I used to be telling them that we have to submit up a sentry system the place somebody is on stage and somebody is on the trunk and there’s two guys going between with the gear,” Mazerolle mentioned.
“So there are eyes on everybody’s shoulders always.”
LeBlanc mentioned he believes extra must be carried out.
“It’s getting worse; it doesn’t really feel prefer it’s getting any higher and we’re on our personal out right here,” LeBlanc mentioned.
The RCMP mentioned its investigation is ongoing.
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