If you have ever attended a Langford community event, chances are you know – or at least recognize – Corey Beswetherick.
Born in 1983 and a lifelong Langford resident, Beswetherick lives and breathes his community. He was a Goldstream Gazette carrier in the ‘90s and has formed strong connections with the Langford fire department, West Shore RCMP and bylaw officers.
But most of all, he loves walking around the city, meeting people and having a chat.
So it came as a shock to Beswetherick when he was assaulted June 10 while out shopping at the Millstream Road branch of Dollar Tree – a place he feels safe and likes to visit every couple of days.
He says the male suspect, unprovoked, pushed him to the ground and kicked him “pretty close” to his head.
“I was very shaken up,” said Beswetherick, who was left with bruising around his eye, but no serious head injuries or concussion.
West Shore RCMP said in a statement they have identified the suspect and arrested an 18-year old male June 17 in relation to the allegations. The suspect was then released on an undertaking to appear at an upcoming court date.
Despite the shock and upset, life goes on for Beswetherick; he’s determined not to let the incident hold him back from doing what he loves.
“I still feel safe walking around Langford,” he says. “I’m still carrying on with my everyday life.”
He’s also buoyed by the wave of support from the community, who he says are “sickened and disgusted” by what happened.
“I want to say thank you to the two paramedics, the West Shore RCMP officers that responded and the staff at Dollar Tree,” said Beswetherick. “But most of all, the community.”
