RCMP were called to a disturbance at Clearspring Centre Monday evening. A portion of the incident was captured on camera and has been shared around on social media.
Steinbach RCMP was called at 4:52 PM on Monday, to respond to a woman creating a disturbance, who was not wearing a mask and verbally berating members of the public attending the business who were wearing masks.
Police officers arrived at 5:03 PM and RCMP say the woman was asked for identification. She refused to identify herself or provide any documentation of medical exemption for not wearing a mask. Officers requested she put on a mask, which she refused to do and became verbally abusive to officers.
The woman was transported to hospital, where she was treated and released. She was charged with Failing to Comply with a Public Emergency Health Order for not wearing a mask.
The actions taken by members of the Steinbach RCMP detachment were under the direct supervision and authorization of Steinbach Staff Sergeant Harold Laninga.
According to a statement issued by the Clearspring Centre, they have not removed anyone who has a mask exemption from their shopping mall to date.