A suspect has been arrested, but witnesses are now being sought regarding an alleged assault involving racial slurs at a Steveston business on Monday afternoon.
RCMP officers were called to a business located in the 3900 block of Moncton Street around 3:15 p.m. after the manager reported an assault and racial slurs.
Mounties said one person was arrested at the scene.
The alleged victim posted a video of the incident on WeChat Instagram, however it has since been taken down.
The victim also posted on WeChat a description of the event saying, she had asked two customers to social distance since they were sitting too close to the washroom. However, the couple refused to move. When the victim asked again, one customer threw their coffee on the ground. The other did the same. Then one of them yelled racial slurs at the victim and tossed the leftover coffee at the victim’s face, according to the post.
Police were immediately called and they arrested one of the suspect.
The victim said the whole incident was also captured on security camera, which she has circulated.
As well, a co-worker posted a photo of the couple and an account of what happened on WhatsApp.
“An incident like this affects everyone in our community. We are in the early stages of this investigation, however, we are asking anyone who may have witnessed or have video evidence to contact us immediately,” said Cpl. Adriana O’Malley.
“Racism has no place in our community,” said Chief Superintendent Ng. “I want to reassure the public that any investigation with potential hate motivated undertones will be given our full attention and oversight.”
The police said the investigation is still ongoing and no further information will be released at this time.
Anyone with information regarding this matter is asked to contact Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212 or by email at [email protected] and quote File number 2021-8311. For people who want to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
