Handicap parking spat prompts Winnipeg police investigation

WINNIPEG —  A viral Facebook post is highlighting the issue of finding parking spots designated for people living with a disability.

Edward Payjack, 72, went to the bank near his Valley Gardens home Friday afternoon but said he found a vehicle with a trailer stretched across two designated spots.

Because of a devastating knee injury in 1989, Payjack needs to park close to wherever he’s going.

“I can’t walk that far, that’s why I need those spots close by,” he said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I can't walk that far, that's why I need those spots close by," he said.

Several people gathered around Payjack and the vehicle and took pictures, which were posted to Facebook.

The post was shared thousands of times and commented on by nearly 200 users, causing the owner of the vehicle to file a report with police.

“I come out they started blasting me, started swearing, threatening my life, that the guy was going to kick my ass,” said Ken Savage, who parked the vehicle and trailer.

The name of Savage’s business is clearly visible in the photos, and he said it is “slandering” his business.

Savage and his girlfriend have a transferable disabled parking pass, which was in his vehicle at the time but not visible.

“We got the pass in my vehicle because we’re either bringing her daughter some kids or her mom different places,” he said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "We got the pass in my vehicle because we're either bringing her daughter some kids or her mom different places," he said.

Police confirmed Savage filed a report and that an uttering threats investigation is underway.

The City of Winnipeg has handed out 3,080 tickets for parking in disabled spaces so far this year. That’s compared to 5,141 for  all of last year.