Warning: This story contains offensive language.
Richmond RCMP are investigating an alleged assault involving racist language. It happened Monday afternoon at a popular Steveston coffee shop, and parts of the incident were caught on video.
Police were called around 3 p.m. to Rocanini Coffee Roasters at the corner of Moncton Street and No. 1 Road, where they said an arrest was made at the scene.
Staff at the coffee shop said the person targeted in the assault was a manager. CTV News has reached out to her.
So far, the RCMP have not provided any details about what happened, but security video shared online shows someone bringing a table in from outside and then sitting with another person.
Staff at the cafe said the couple was blocking the washroom and was too close to another patron for distancing requirements, so when another table became free the couple was offered a chance to move, but refused. The security video showed drinks being poured on the floor and something being thrown as the couple exited. There was also cellphone video posted online showing a couple getting into a vehicle, and racial slurs could be heard.
In the video, a man in a blue sweater opens the vehicle door for a woman with her hair in a ponytail, as someone asks him what his wife said.
His response: “Let it go. She’s not well. Let it go." A few seconds later, the words “f***ing Chinese” can be heard twice.
CTV News asked to speak to RCMP about the incident. They did not provide an on-camera interview, but later on Tuesday confirmed the person arrested was a 74-year-old woman.
In a news release issued Monday, Richmond RCMP Chief Supt. Will Ng said “racism has no place in our community."
“I want to reassure the public that any investigation with potential hate motivated undertones will be given our full attention and oversight,” he said.
No charges have been recommended at this point. Police are looking for any additional video evidence or witnesses.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the RCMP at 604-278-1212, richmond_tips@rcmp-grc.gc.ca, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
