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Police seek man who spat on business owner during mask dispute in Trail, B.C.

Spat on during mask dispute

Police in the Kootenays are searching for a suspect who spat on a business owner during a mask dispute last month.

RCMP were called on Jan. 28 at 4:18 p.m. to the 800 block of Farwell Street, in downtown Trail, BC for a complaint of a man refusing to wear a mask and trying to enter a business.

The man became irate when the business owner denied him entry unless the man wore the proper face covering. The man spat at the owner before fleeing the area. Police made patrols for the man, but could not locate him.

Trail RCMP is asking the public to assist identifying the man wearing a puffy camouflaged jacket with fur-lined hood.

“While some choose not to wear masks, it is not his or her right to attack other people complying with the rules. Please respect the people working hard during the pandemic to keep our businesses and services in operation in this difficult time,” said Sgt. Mike Wicentowich.

Police in Trail were also called to a mask dispute on Feb. 4 inside a business in the 800 block of Spokane Street.

A 52-year-old Trail woman claimed to have an exemption but could not produce proof of it to employees at the business. The woman continued to refuse to wear a mask until an employee contacted the Trail RCMP about the incident. The woman decided to comply at that time, was able to receive request services outside of the business, and left without further incident.

“Trail RCMP recommends having proof of exemption ready before you enter a business within a mandatory mask. Self-declaration currently does not allow for an exemption from wearing a mask,” Wicentowich added.



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