Video has surfaced online of a heated fight that broke out at a concert in downtown Victoria over the weekend, resulting in one person being arrested.
Police were called to the Royal Theatre in the 800-block of Broughton Street just before 10 p.m. Saturday, April 30.
Victoria Police Department said Tuesday that a “very intoxicated man” was arrested for assault, including allegations he punched a woman, and for mischief from damaging a building window.
“VicPD officers deployed pepper spray while taking him into custody as the man continued to act aggressive toward police,” said VicPD spokesman Const. Cam Macintyre.
The man, 34, was transported to hospital to be decontaminated and was later released from custody pending further investigation.
Police did not provide details such as the number of people involved or any possible injuries.
However, a video posted to YouTube appears to show a fight break out between two shirtless attendees during a break in the concert.
At one point, a member of the band is heard saying “Hey, you stop that now!” on the microphone as the fight is broken up and the audience cheers. “You get out of here, this is a place of love and not violence.”
Eventually, the combatants were escorted out of the theatre.
Multiple police vehicles including one unmarked unit were seen out front of the Royal Theatre around the time of the incident.
While the man could be subject to additional charges stemming from the incident, police said there is no indication that it is a hate crime investigation.
Victoria restaurant owner Solomon Siegel was at the concert with his nine-year-old daughter Sadie.
“We had ordered ear protection, we got to the theatre, she was telling everyone on the way in it was her first rock show,” Siegel said.
He said the show stopped due to a medical emergency at floor level and the lights were turned on so staff could help the person and that’s when the fight broke out. The reason behind it remains unclear. Siegel can be seen in the video escorting his daughter out moments after.
“My daughter was just terrified, it was right in her line of vision and she just started crying and begging to leave at that point,” he said.
“The hallway was full with crying kids, I think there was a lot of parents such as myself who realized this was one of the first opportunities to go see live music in a venue like the Royal.”
The Royal Theatre issued a statement on the incident Tuesday.
“The health and safety of our audiences, performers, and staff are our top priority and the theatres have zero-tolerance for violence. Our staff and contracted security acted promptly and professionally to address the situation.”
Police say the man taken into custody Saturday is the only person facing charges in relation to the incident.
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