Unmasked man arrested for assault at Metropolis at Metrotown

On March 22, 2021, shortly after 11:00 a.m., the Burnaby RCMP received a report of an assault that had taken place at the Metropolis mall at Metrotown where a man allegedly spat in the face of another man.

Burnaby frontline investigators responded and arrested a 48-year-old West Vancouver man, charging him with Fail to wear a face covering, a contravention of the Emergency Programs Act.

The Burnaby RCMP have been made aware of a video circulating on social media that captures a portion of the incident, says Corporal Brett Cunningham of the Burnaby RCMP. Our investigators are gathering additional evidence and will determine whether assault charges are appropriate.

The man was released from custody a short time after his arrest and an assault investigation is ongoing.

Burnaby RCMP’s frontline officers and COVID Compliance Enforcement Team continue to conduct regular patrols through businesses including in Metrotown, says Superintendent Graham De la Gorgendiere, Officer in Charge of the Burnaby RCMP. This incident is an example of how quickly a situation can escalate. If you encounter someone who is not abiding by the laws, please contact the police and avoid any confrontation.