Port Alberni RCMP are asking for help in identifying a man who urinated on the floor and counter of the Port Alberni Dairy Queen on Saturday.
According to police, the man had been refused service because he wouldn’t wear a mask, and got into a heated discussion with restaurant staff.
When staff asked him to leave, the man became verbally aggressive and abusive, police said. He left the restaurant briefly, but returned and urinated on the floor and counter.
“The suspect initially left the business, only to return shortly after. He pulled down his pants and began to urinate on the floor directly in front of the till, much to the shock and screams of staff and the customers,” said B.C. RCMP media relations officer Chris Manseau.
Manseau said the man’s actions are being investigated as an indecent act, as it appears to have been done with the intent to insult or offend in a public place.
“This type of behaviour is a health hazard — it’s disgusting and it’s just not how people should act in a civilized society,” Manseau said. He said police are trying to identify the man so they can find out what he intended by his act, adding they will likely consult with Crown counsel and the victims to determine what happens next.
“This may go down the route of charges,” said Manseau.
Anyone with information about the incident or identity of the individual is asked to call Port Alberni RCMP at 250-723-2424.
Since Aug. 25, it has been mandatory in B.C. to wear a mask in indoor public spaces to help slow the transmission of COVID-19. That mandate includes restaurants, pubs and bars.