BC woman suffers "health crisis" after anti-masker allegedly spits on her

Nov 26 2020, 1:00 am

Police in Nelson, BC, are investigating after a female employee at a coffee shop suffered a “health crisis” after allegedly being assaulted by a man who refused to wear a mask.

According to Nelson Police Staff Sgt. Brian Weber, the incident took place on November 20, when officers received a complaint from staff at the business.

“A male was asked to don a mask upon entrance of the business,” Weber told Daily Hive. “There was an interaction between a male suspect and a female employee.”

During this interaction, “the male spat upon the female and then departed the business,” said Weber.

The man, who Weber said is known to police, was found not far from the business, arrested, and released with a court date set for early 2021. As part of his conditions, he is prohibited from entering the coffee shop.

Weber said police also received information that shortly after the incident, the woman “suffered a health crisis,” but he did not specify any further.

However, police will now “conduct further investigation to determine if there is a nexus between the health crisis and the alleged assault,” said Weber. “This ongoing investigation may result in investigators forwarding a report to Crown Counsel requesting criminal charges of assault.”

This week, BC Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth announced new enforcement measures are now in effect for those who don’t comply with the provincial mandatory mask order.

Now, anyone without a mask in an indoor public place, or who refuses to comply with the direction of an enforcement officer – including the direction to leave the space – or who responds with abusive or belligerent behaviour, may be subject to a $230 fine.

Eric ZimmerEric Zimmer

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