Anti-mask confrontation gets physical at Coldstream business

Photo: Contributed

An anti-mask confrontation got physical in Coldstream on Tuesday.

Vernon RCMP spokesperson Const. Chris Terleski says police received a report of a disturbance at a business shortly before 2 p.m.

A man entered the Rail Trail Cafe on Kalamalka Road without a mask and was asked by staff to put one on.

Despite repeated attempts by staff to accommodate him, the man became belligerent and confrontational, says Terleski.

"His behaviour escalated to the point where he threatened and assaulted an employee."

Staff were eventually able to lock the suspect outside.

When police arrived, the suspect was still causing a disturbance outside the business.

"As the suspect was placed under arrest, he physically resisted and assaulted the officer," says Terleski.

After a brief struggle, the officer was able to gain control of the man and take him into custody.

The 34-year old Lake Country man was later released from custody and faces a number of potential criminal charges.

The incident remains under investigation.