Four people are facing charges after a 48-year-old man was attacked in North Sydney, N.S. earlier this week.
Police were called to the parking lot of the Atlantic Superstore on King Street late Monday.
Investigators say the man, who has been identified as Shawn Jack, was attacked in a wooded area behind the store.
He then stumbled down a hill, leaving a trail of blood behind him, and made his way through the parking lot before collapsing on a bench.
Employees found the man and called 911.
Jack was taken to the Cape Breton Regional Hospital with serious head injuries and later transported to a Halifax hospital. He remains in hospital in serious condition.
“I can tell you I have done this for a long time,” says Crown attorney Dan MacRury. “On a personal level, the facts are very disturbing.”
Jennifer MacLeod, 22, of Boularderie faces charges of aggravated assault, wearing a disguise with intent to commit an offence, and breach.
Kyle William Nichol, 25, of Sydney Mines is facing charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault, wearing a disguise with intent to commit an offence and two breaches.
A 16-year-old female is facing charges of aggravated assault and wearing a disguise with intent to commit an offence in connection with the incident.
Investigators have also issued a Canada-wide warrant for a 22-year-old Sydney Mines man. Cory Blinkhorn is facing charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault and wearing a disguise while committing an offence in connection with the incident.
Blinkhorn is five-foot-eight and weighs about 186 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact police. Investigators say he should not be approached if spotted.
Community rallies to help man attacked in North Sydney
Police say Shawn Jack is originally from the Truro area and often camps behind the store during the summer months with his dog. Chico is being cared for by the SPCA in Sydney.
Residents are expressing outrage over the incident and are coming together to help support Jack and Chico.
“He was really nice. He was extraordinarily humble and very appreciative,” says North Sydney resident Cory Hawkins. “I know most are, but he was more concerned about saying ‘have a nice weekend, thank you very much.’ He was just very nice.”
Hawkins and his wife Julia came up with an idea to help raise money for Jack through an online crowdfunding website. In less than 24 hours, more than $10,000 has been raised.
“I just want him to know people are looking out for him,” says Julia Hawkins. “People care and people don’t stand for this kind of behaviour. It’s appalling and everyone agrees.”
Hawkins says the site will be accepting donations until next Friday. They hope the funds will help make an easier transition for Jack and his dog.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Kyle Moore