Pasqua First Nation man with disability assaulted and electric bike stolen in Regina

The Regina Police Service is investigating after 42-year-old James Peigan, a man who lives with a disability, was assaulted Monday morning in north central Regina and his electric bike was stolen. Police said the incident happened on Monday morning at around 2:15 a.m. Peigan was assaulted and his bike was taken by a group of people. “My brother didn’t know who did this to him, it was late at night, it was dark out. We don’t understand why somebody would want to hurt him. He has a disability, he’s a nice guy, he’s easy to get along with and he’s not a rude or mean person,” said Yolanda Merasty, Peigan’s older sister. Merasty said her brother was at friend of a friend’s house Sunday night when another group of people arrived at the house and must have had ill intentions for her brother. She said they waited outside for Peigan to leave the house. “When my brother left the residence, they attacked him, beat him and took his bike from him,” added Merasty. Merasty said her brother walked back to his home following the assault and knocked on the door to alert the family and inform them what happened. “He was hurt really badly. His face is unrecognizable right now. It was all bloody, he got stitches, he had a CT scan and thankfully that came back fine but he’s beat up pretty bad,” said Merasty. James on the bike that was stolen. Photo: submitted Peigan was taken to hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries with multiple cuts and bruises to his face and head. Merasty said the family would like to see the bike returned as it’s Peigan’s only form of transportation because he can’t drive due to his disability. “My brother can’t read or write, he is unable to pass his driver’s test in order to get his driver’s license so (his electric bike) was his only option, he doesn’t have any other options for his transportation,” said Merasty. The family said Peigan just received his bike last December with a cost of about $4,000. “The bike is an electric bike so it can’t be easily disassembled and it needs a key in order for it to operate,” said Merasty. The family is now considering a number of options to fundraise for another bike for Peigan if his bike isn’t returned. Merasty has a message to the people involved. “I just hope that they’ll find it in their heart to feel remorseful for what they did to my brother and that they’ll give back the bike. That’s all we’re hoping.” Police said the investigation is ongoing and the bike is still missing Continue Reading