Lloydminster Exhibition GM Jackie Tomayer has issued a statement addressing an incident involving security guards and an autistic child at the fair Saturday night, saying she has since spoken with both the child’s family and RCMP.
BorderPulse reported over the weekend that video circulating on social media showed the boy, believed to be 13, being physically restrained, chased and brought to the ground by guards contracted through Executive Protection Services, a Regina-based security firm, after he became separated from his grandmother.
RCMP have confirmed the incident is under investigation.
In a statement provided Monday, Tomayer said she did not have enough information within the original response window to provide a detailed and accurate answer, and wanted to speak with authorities and the family first.
“What happened Saturday night at the fair was incredibly unfortunate,” Tomayer said. “I’ve spoken with the child’s grandmother as well as the security company since the incident.”
Tomayer said she and a volunteer arrived at the scene without knowing the full extent of what had already occurred, and worked to keep the public out of the area.
“Without knowing the full extent of what had happened before we arrived, we tried to de-escalate the situation and keep the public out of the area, to make it as safe as possible,” she said.
Tomayer said the Exhibition has worked to build an inclusive environment through special programming and inclusion hours at other events, and acknowledged the incident points to areas for improvement.
“Clearly, there is an opportunity here for training, growth and procedural changes,” she said. “We want to continue to work to ensure that ours is a safe facility that creates positive memories and experiences for all our patrons.”
Tomayer said the Ex will cooperate with any ongoing RCMP investigation.
BorderPulse has also contacted Security company for comment. The company has not responded.
This story will be updated as new information becomes available.
Read more: RCMP investigating Lloyd Ex fair incident involving Regina security company
