Home / Crime and Justice / Air Cadet Supervisor Assaulted in Remembrance Day Incident
Air Cadet Supervisor Assaulted in Remembrance Day Incident
5 Nov
Summary
- Supervisor assaulted protecting cadets distributing Remembrance Day poppies.
- Victim underwent spinal surgery and faces uncertain recovery.
- Family urges focus on youth violence and volunteer safety.
Kenneth Kunkel, a 59-year-old Air Cadet supervisor, is facing an uncertain long-term recovery after being assaulted at a Hamilton mall over the weekend. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon while Kunkel was supervising cadets distributing Remembrance Day poppies at The Centre on Barton. His family stated he underwent spinal surgery and is receiving specialist care.
The assault began when two youths allegedly used a loud air horn near the Air Cadets. Kunkel intervened to protect the cadets, leading to a physical confrontation where he was struck multiple times by a male youth after an initial altercation with a woman. Police have charged a 12-year-old boy with assault and a 48-year-old woman with aggravated assault.
Kunkel's son, Christopher, emphasized his father's motivation was to protect the cadets and de-escalate the situation. He called for greater attention to youth violence and the safety of cadets and community volunteers, noting the severity of the child's alleged involvement.
