Tussle over mask at store leads to arrest
A man who refused to wear a mask inside a Yates Street grocery is facing charges of assault with a weapon and uttering threats.
Victoria police also issued the man a $230 ticket under the COVID-19 Related Measures Act for failing to wear a mask and abusive behaviour.
Patrol officers were called to the Market on Yates just after 10:30 a.m. Friday for a report that a man had entered the store not wearing a mask. Callers said that when the man was offered a mask, he was verbally and physically confrontational.
VicPD said when officers arrived, the man approached them in a threatening manner.
He was arrested without further incident and transported to cells.
Under provincial health orders, masks are required to be worn in public spaces, including grocery stores. Police are still investigating. They are asking for witnesses and video of the incident. If you haven’t yet spoken to officers, call VicPD at 250-995-7654 ext 1.