Canadian Armed Forces member violently assaulted in Hamilton ID’d as Ken Kunkel

A member of the Canadian Armed Forces who suffered life-altering injuries during an attack at a poppy campaign in Hamilton last weekend has been identified as 59-year-old Ken Kunkel.

In a post on X Thursday, Ontario legislature Speaker Donna Skelly says Kunkel is a Royal Canadian Air Cadet commanding officer from the 826 Griffin Squadron in Binbrook.

“My thoughts are with Ken Kunkel and his loved-ones as he recovers from life-altering injuries as a result of this senseless act,” reads Skelly’s post.

“Wishing him strength, support, and a full and speedy recovery.”

READ MORE: Two charged in assault that left air cadet supervisor with life-altering injuries

Hamilton police say the assault happened around 1:45 p.m. Sunday in front of the Mandarin restaurant at the Centre on Barton.

Officers allege two young boys approached cadets who were selling poppies and blew a loud air horn in their ears.

Kunkel, who was supervising the cadets, went into the restaurant to confront the boys. Police say a 12-year-old boy violently assaulted Kunkel. He suffered life-altering injuries after being repeatedly punched on the floor.

Investigators say a 48-year-old woman, who was eating at the restaurant, also got involved despite having no connection to anyone in the incident.

WATCH MORE: Canadian Armed Forces member suffers life-altering injuries in Hamilton restaurant assault

Officers say they fled the scene. Shortly after, detectives found the two boys at a nearby retail store after receiving reports of an unrelated disturbance.

The 12-year-old boy was arrested and charged with assault and aggravated assault.

On Monday, officers arrested the 48-year-old woman. She has also been charged with aggravated assault.

Hamilton police say the name of the woman who was charged is Estela Quintanilla and her next court date is Feb. 4.

WATCH MORE: Poppy Campaign volunteers concerned about safety after Hamilton assault