SURREY RCMP on Friday said thay had identified and arrested a man in connection with an assault at the Dollarama store in Guildford Mall (see previous news release).

Surrey RCMP began investigating this assault after receiving a copy of a video showing an unmasked man spitting in the face of a security guard.

On Thursday evening, Surrey RCMP frontline officers identified the suspect and made an arrest. A 43-year-old man of no fixed address was taken into custody and issued fines under the Emergency Program Act for failure to wear a facemask, and abusive and belligerent behaviour. An assault investigation is ongoing.

The man was later released. Criminal charges have not yet been laid so the identity of the man is not being released at this time.

Investigators are still asking for any witnesses, including the person who filmed the video, to come forward to help advance this investigation.

“Thank you to the media and the public for assisting us,” said Sgt. Elenore Sturko, Surrey RCMP Media Relations. “As a result of your help, our officers were able to make significant progress, including identifying a suspect, and making contact with the victim.”

“The video of the assault on the security guard was disgusting,” said Superintendent Manly Burleigh, Surrey RCMP Operations Officer. “This type of behaviour is unacceptable – we urge anyone that has experienced this type of violence to report the incident to police.”

Anyone with more information, including dashcam footage around the Guildford mall area between 5 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. on April 6 is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 and quote file 2021-50419.

If you wish to make an anonymous report, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or www.solvecrime.ca.