Police officer’s leg broken, assault charges sought after dispute over mask order

Vancouver police say an officer broke his leg in a confrontation after a man refused to wear a mask inside a courthouse.

Const. Tania Visintin says the officer was injured when the man fell on him while being taken into custody.

She says two officers were at the court on Tuesday and intervened when the man allegedly refused a sheriff’s order to put on a mask, and then refused to leave the building.

A statement from police says the man was allegedly argumentative, kicked one of the officers and then tried to reach for his firearm, leading to the scuffle.

Police say the officer could be off work for several months.

A 53-year-old Vancouver man has been handed a $230 ticket for refusing to wear a mask indoors, and police say they are also recommending charges of assault, aggravated assault and disarming a police officer.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 27, 2021.