A Simcoe, Ont., woman is facing assault with a weapon charges after what her family says amounted to accidentally spraying her neighbour with a water gun during a neighbourhood gathering over the Labour Day weekend.
Wendy Washik, 58, was taken into custody Sept. 1 after what police characterized as a “neighbour dispute” resulted in “the victim being physically assaulted,” the Norfolk County detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said in a press release, adding that there were no injuries associated with the incident.
A GoFundMe campaign launched by the Washik family aimed at helping her cover legal fees said the mom of two was participating in a water gun fight with a child from the neighbourhood when a “rogue spray of water” accidentally hit a neighbour.
“There was no intent to get the neighbour wet, and there was certainly and clearly no intent to injure anyone during this harmless activity,” the post reads.
The police were called and Washik, an educational assistant who works with children with developmental disabilities, was arrested and charged. She has since been suspended from her role as an educational assistant, the post says.
“Wendy Washik is an outstanding example of an ideal citizen within the community and it is outrageous that she has been burdened with these slanderous accusations,” the GoFundMe post reads.
OPP spokesperson Const. Andrew Gamble declined to comment on the specifics of Washik’s arrest or the circumstances that led to her being charged. The Norfolk County media relations officer also declined to confirm if the weapon involved in the incident was a water gun.
“Every situation is unique,” he said in an email to The Epoch Times. “The OPP’s role is to investigate the circumstances in the full context of the call for service and determine the best course of action in accordance with its legislated responsibilities.”
He said further comment would be “inappropriate,” adding that it was essential for police to “protect the integrity of the investigation and any ensuing court processes.”
Washik is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Simcoe on Sept. 24. As of Sept. 12, more than $10,000 had been donated to the fundraising campaign for her lawyer fees.
