Man refusing to wear face covering arrested for assault at Kingston train station

An altercation involving a man refusing to wear a face covering in compliance with COVID-19 protocols resulted in that man being arrested after he assaulted an employee at the Kingston train station.

At approximately 2 p.m. on Thursday, Jun. 3, 2021, the accused man entered the Via Rail station on John Counter Boulevard, approached the customer service desk, and purchased a train ticket to Montreal. During the transaction, the male victim – an employee at the train station – asked the man to wear his mask repeatedly, according to Kingston Police. However, the accused man was dismissive of the requests and refused to wear the face covering.

With the ticket to Montreal purchased, the man walked to the platform and the train that was awaiting where he attempted to board the train, but was denied access due to the fact he was not wearing a face covering. The victim again approached the man to ask him to wear his face mask as required.

According to Kingston Police, the accused man became belligerent towards the victim and “took on an aggressive posture wishing to engage in a physical altercation.” Although the victim attempted to avoid contact, the accused man punched him in the back of the neck.

Police were call and responding officers located the man sill on the platform waiting to board to Montreal-bound train. Officers then made observations that the man was impaired by alcohol. He was arrested and taken into custody at approximately 2:35 p.m., police said.

The 56-year-old man was charged with assault.