A Burnaby Canadian Tire customer was arrested by police after becoming violent towards staff Monday for being asked to wear a face mask.
Mounties confirmed to Black Press Media that the unnamed man – captured in video posted online by witnesses – is now the centre of an assault investigation.
Cpl. Michael Kalanj said RCMP received a call about employees being punched at around 4:30 p.m. in the store on Market Crossing.
The video shows security officers and staff working together to subdue the male customer, who can be heard yelling, “don’t touch me. My human rights are trumping your (expletive) mask mandates.”
The customer continues to resist, while five men attempt to place him in handcuffs.
“You guys aren’t the police. You’re nothing,” he is heard shouting.
After being placed into a headlock by a man, the customer yells “I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe.”
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Mounties confirmed the suspect was arrested and released from custody a few hours later.
As of Wednesday, no charges had been laid, Kalanj confirmed. Suspects are only identified if charges are approved by the BC Prosecution Service.
In response, Canadian Tire spokesperson Cathy Kurzbock said the company is cooperating with police o provide internal security footage of the incident.
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