Hamilton police investigating alleged assault on McDonald’s employee over proof-of-vaccination

Hamilton police say they are searching for a woman who allegedly assaulted a McDonald's employee after refusing to provide proof-of-vaccination.

In an email to The Spectator, Const. Indy Bharaj said just after 9:30 p.m. Wednesday night, police were called to a disturbance at the McDonald's inside the Walmart at 674 Upper James St.

Bharaj said police were told that a man and woman inside of the restaurant were arguing with staff" about the province's COVID-19 vaccine passport program.

As of Wednesday, Hamiltonians are required to provide proof-of-vaccination to dine indoors.

Police said the woman was not wearing a mask and refused to provide her proof-of-vaccination. She then took a seat inside of the dining area and refused to leave the store.

As officers were responding, Bharaj said they were told the woman hit a McDonald's staff member in the face as she was leaving the store.

The pair fled the area before police arrived.

Bharaj said police are trying to identify the female suspect involved in the incident. She is described as white, between 25 and 30 years of age, roughly five-foot-seven, with a medium build, and blond shoulder-length hair. She was last seen wearing black pants and a black jacket.

Anyone with information is asking to contact Hamilton police.

Fallon Hewitt is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach her via email: fhewitt@thespec.com