DAWSON CREEK (NEWS 1130) — A man was arrested Wednesday for assault after a Dawson Creek Walmart employee was attacked following a confrontation over mask rules, the RCMP says.
Wearing a mask is required in indoor public spaces under the provincial health order, and the man was told to do so around 7 p.m., police said in a release.
A man, 30, in Dawson Creek has been arrested for assault after RCMP say he assaulted a Walmart employee after being asked to wear, which is mandatory. He’s been released/will appear in court later. Failing to comply w/the PHO is a $230 fine. Pls wear one, if you can. @NEWS1130
— Sonia Aslam (@SoniaSAslam) November 26, 2020
The employee wasn’t badly hurt and didn’t require immediate medical attention.
The 30-year-old was identified through video footage and found at his home a short time later where he was arrested for assault and mischief.
He was released and is expected to appear in court at a later date.
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“While individuals may make a personal decision to not wear a face mask they must then not attend indoor public spaces,” reads the release.
Under the health order, people who refuse to wear a mask, have abusive behaviour, or don’t follow “patron conditions or requirements” can be fined up to $230.
“This order does provide provisions for those people who are deliberately being belligerent about wearing a mask and are putting other people’s safety at risk, and it gives the power for police and by law officers to take action if that happens,” Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said Wednesday.
