Sunshine Coast RCMP have confirmed they were called out Feb. 26 after an incident in Sechelt during a demonstration supporting the Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs.
A group of three people were waving signs near the corner of Wharf Avenue and Highway 101 around 2 p.m. when they were approached by an 80-year-old man “frustrated with the protesters,” police said.
RCMP said the man ripped down one sign and when he tried to get another one, the person holding the sign and the man began tugging the sign back and forth.
At some point, police said, the man swatted or slapped the protester in the face.
RCMP said there were no injuries and nobody needed medical attention.
The man was arrested, but later released.
Police are asking any witnesses to the incident who wish to come forward to contact the detachment and reference file number 2020-1199.
There were also reports of abuse being shouted at demonstrators in Gibsons during earlier protests.
