On April 22, at approximately 2:25 pm, Powell River RCMP responded to a report of a fight taking place at Quality Foods.
According to a media release from staff sergeant Rod Wiebe, upon arrival, witnesses pointed out a suspect inside a vehicle in the parking lot to the attending officers.
“During the interaction between the police and the suspect, force had to be used to subdue the individual,” stated Wiebe. “The suspect, a 48-year-old man from Powell River, was taken into custody and is now facing charges of assault, assaulting a peace officer and attempting to disarm a peace officer.”
Wiebe stated that a 72-year-old female who was with this male is also facing charges of obstructing a peace officer. It is believed the incident was instigated by the suspect not wanting to adhere to the store’s physical distancing policies, stated Wiebe.
“While I understand people’s frustration with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, frontline workers and businesses have put processes in place to protect the health and safety of their staff and the public,” stated Wiebe. “These are not suggestions or guidelines; these are the rules of the store. Please follow their directions and above all, be patient.”
Wiebe stated that the detachment would like to thank the bystanders who provided assistance to the officers at the scene. Police are asking anyone with cellphone video of the events that took place in the store or parking lot or, who witnessed the altercation inside the store, to call the detachment at 604.485.6255.
