A Penticton, B.C., man named Vincent Florence was allegedly attacked outside of a local liquor store three days before Christmas. After having a few drinks at a nearby pub, Florence walked over to the Barley Mill liquor store, where he was found unconscious later that night. He was transported to Kelowna General Hospital for emergency brain surgery, and his parents received a terrifying call in the middle of the night urging them to come to the hospital immediately. Florence’s mother, Roxanne Zeiler, described the incident as horrifying and shocking, as her son was seriously injured for seemingly no reason.
The attack on Florence was caught on surveillance video outside of the liquor store, where two individuals reportedly assaulted and robbed him. Zeiler expressed disbelief that someone would harm her son for only $100 in his wallet. Florence himself has trouble remembering the events of that night, but he insists that he would have avoided any conflict if he had been aware of what was happening. Despite the trauma, Florence maintains that he would have willingly given the attackers anything they wanted, as that is the kind of person he is. The family was also grateful for the actions of a Barley Mill liquor store employee who put Florence in a safe position, called 911, and stayed with him until help arrived, potentially saving his life.
As of now, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has not confirmed any arrests or released images of the suspects involved in the attack on Florence. In response to the incident, Florence’s family started a GoFundMe campaign to cover his expenses as he recovers at home from two brain surgeries. Despite the challenges he faces, Florence expressed gratitude for the support he has received from his community. The family is hopeful that the fundraising efforts will help them navigate the financial burden of the medical treatment and recovery process. The story of Vincent Florence’s attack has shocked the local community and sparked conversations about the safety of individuals in public spaces.
The incident has raised concerns about violence in public areas, particularly near liquor stores and bars. Florence’s family has emphasized the need for increased security measures and vigilance to prevent similar attacks from occurring in the future. The surveillance footage of the attack on Florence has served as a reminder of the importance of personal safety and awareness when in public spaces. The family hopes that by sharing their story, they can raise awareness about the risks that individuals face and prompt action to improve safety measures in the community. As Florence continues his recovery at home, his family remains hopeful for justice and closure in the case, as they seek answers about the motive behind the attack on their son.