Burnaby man launches assault in hardware store after being asked to wear mask

The Burnaby RCMP is asking for help in identifying a man who attacked a hardware store employee and ransacked the store in early May.

The police report reads: "The assault took place on May 8, 2021, at around 12:30 p.m., when the suspect attended a retail business on 1st Avenue just east of Boundary Road. An employee approached the suspect and asked him why he wasn’t wearing a mask. The suspect attacked the employee and continued punching him in the head and back when he fell to the ground. When another employee interrupted the assault, the suspect threatened to kill the employee with a knife. Before leaving, the suspect grabbed a pair of bolt cutters and smashed the front window of the business."

Police describe him as Caucasian with a blonde buzz cut. The man wore a dark grey hoodie, light blue jeans and dark running shoes

"This was an unprovoked attack and very scary for everyone involved," reported Corporal Mike Kalanj of the Burnaby RCMP. "Please help us identify this individual."

The RCMP can be contacted at 604-646-9999.