Man charged for tirade when asked to wear mask at supermarket west of Toronto

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — Police say they’ve charged a 48-year-old man who allegedly made disparaging remarks about staff at a supermarket in Mississauga, Ont., after being asked to wear a mask.

Peel Regional Police say the man became agitated and began yelling at staff after the request on July 5.

A video on social media shows a man at T&T Supermarket blaming staff for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Police say the man was repeatedly asked to leave, a request he eventually complied with.

Peel police Chief Nishan Duraiappah says hate-related incidents can increase feelings of vulnerability, anxiety and fear for both individual victims and the community as a whole.

The man faces one charge of causing a disturbance and is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 25.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on July 16, 2020.

The Canadian Press