Charges won’t be laid against a man accused of going on an anti-Asian tirade at a Richmond drive-thru next to Ironwood Plaza earlier this month.
Cpl. Ian Henderson, Richmond RCMP spokesperson, confirmed to the Richmond News that no criminal charges are being recommended. Instead, the matter was settled via an “alternative measure” on Wednesday, May 19, which was agreed upon by both the victim and the accused.
The suspect, whose name was not released, was identified on May 14 after Richmond Mounties issued a public appeal for help the day prior.
The incident occurred on May 1 when the suspect, who was reportedly standing near the Burger King drive-thru window, approached an Asian family in a SUV and began yelling at them. When a bystander tried to intervene and tell the suspect to leave, the suspect then began hurling anti-Asian slurs at him, according to Richmond RCMP.
Video of the incident was posted to social media.
“Hate incident investigations can be very complex, and video evidence, although often very compelling, does not always speak to the totality of the situation,” said Henderson in an emailed statement.
“Richmond RCMP would again like to thank the media and members of the general public who helped identify the suspect in this matter. With your help, our officers were able to complete a fulsome investigation. Ultimately, by collaborating with both the victim and the suspect, they were able to arrive at an alternative to criminal charges that, hopefully, will prevent this situation from reoccurring.”
Due to privacy concerns, Henderson said he couldn’t confirm the exact alternative measure taken.
According to the province, alternative measures allow for a resolution outside of court, and can be used in cases involving less serious offences and offenders with no criminal history.
As part of the process, the accused must accept personal responsibility and agree to make amends.
