Calgary mayoral candidate who threatened health-care workers arrested in Edmonton

Police haveonce again arrested aCalgary mayoral candidate who already faces charges tied to violations of COVID-19-related health restrictions as well asa restraining order after threatening to arm himself and goto the homes ofhealth workers.

Early Wednesday morning, Edmonton policearrestedKevin J. Johnston, who also faces other allegations in Alberta, as well asassault and hate crimes charges in B.C. and Ontario.

He was wanted on oneCriminal Code warrantfor causing a disturbance and a violation of a Court of Queen's Bench Order, according toCalgary police.

The second violation was for taking part in an illegal public gathering.

Calgary police said in a statement that the latest charges are connected to an incident that took place on Saturday at the CORE Shopping Centre in downtown Calgary.

WATCH | See the arrest in the video below

Kevin J. Johnston arrested in Edmonton

3 years ago

Duration 0:14

The Calgary mayoral candidate, who is already facing charges tied to violations of COVID-19-related health restrictions as well as a restraining order, was taken into custody on May 26. (Video: Caino Wind/Facebook)

Police saidseveral store employees reported feeling concerned for their safety after having confrontations with Johnston that day.

Johnston allegedly went into stores in the mall without wearing a mask. Whenasked to put one on, he became verbally abusive to employees, police said in the statement.

Johnston would leave the stores, thenreturn with more people and continue to engage employees verbally while live streaming the incident, police said.

Many of the store employees involved areyoung people who "were either working alone or with one other person and feared for their safety as a result of the confrontation by the group," police said.

Police continue to investigate the actions of the people who were with Johnston during the alleged verbal abuse.

Past altercations

Johnston, who has a history of belligerent and racist behaviour, has saidhe is prepared to arm himself and go to the homes of health officials to arrest those who have taken enforcement actions.

He is currentlybound by a restraining order sought by Alberta Health Services, banning him from obstructing or interfering with Alberta Health Services employees.

There was concern over the fact that as a mayoral candidate, Johnston could receive voters lists with names and addresses of all eligible voters in Calgary.

The controversy resulted in the city deciding not to share the lists with any candidates.

Johnston was arrested by Calgary police May 8 after he promoted and attended three large gatherings in contravention of pandemic-related health restrictions.

He is alreadyaccused of repeatedly refusing to abide bypublic health restrictions and organizing events encouraging others to break the rules as well. His hearing is set to take place on June 16.