An irate male allegedly spat on a store employee after telling him shopping hours at the Dollarama were reserved for seniors. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

disturbing incident

Man accused of spitting on store clerk in Nanaimo arrested

Apr 20, 2020 | 1:33 PM

NANAIMO — A man was arrested and faces an assault charge for allegedly spitting on a Dollarama employee at Port Place Shopping Centre.

RCMP Cst. Gary O’Brien said it happened the morning of Sunday, April 19 when the suspect was denied entry by the employee because shopping at the time was restricted for seniors.

“He got irate and decided to spit on an employee, very troubling,” O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW.

The suspect was found about a half-hour later near Brooks Landing where O’Brien said the combative man was arrested.

O’Brien said spitting at somebody is a serious crime, regardless of the COVID-19 health crisis.

winter driving season

Suitable tires mandated on select highways as wintry conditions approach

7h ago

Depth on D

VIDEO: Clippers make early season upgrades by adding two impact defencemen

10h ago

growing pains

Downtown Nanaimo merchants optimistic despite lengthy, disruptive construction project

15h ago

“By that person spitting on that individual that is an assault, whether it’s an individual or a police officer. And if the fact this person became infected the jeopardy could go even higher.”

O’Brien said the suspect, who’s in his 30’s, was charged with assault, released from jail and slated to appear in court in July.

O’Brien added police want to speak to a Good Samaritan who stopped his red car near Brooks Landing and stood near the suspect, helping the lone officer to apprehend the man.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com
On Twitter: @NanaimoNewsNOW