A Victoria man is facing charges and a hefty ticket after an altercation at a local grocery store regarding mandatory masks on Friday morning.
Victoria Police officers were called to the Market on Yates just after 10:30 a.m. for a report that a man had entered the store without wearing a mask, contrary to provincial health orders.
According to VicPD, callers reported that when the man was offered a mask, the man became both verbally and physically confrontational with staff.
When officers arrived, police say the man approached them in a threatening manner. He was arrested without further incident and transported to cells.
Officers are recommending charges including Uttering Threats and Assault with a Weapon. Officers also issued the man a $230 ticket under the COVID-19 Related Measures Act (CMRA) for abusive or belligerent behaviour.
This is not the first time VicPD has had to issue COVID-19 related tickets. Two tickets were issued after a “belligerent” patron violated restrictions at a restaurant earlier this week.
Under the CRMA and provincial health orders, masks are required to be worn in public spaces, including grocery stores.
This file remains under investigation. If you witnessed this incident, captured video of it, or have information and have not yet spoken to officers you are asked to call the Report Desk at (250) 995-7654 ext 1.
Rebecca Lawrence
