A video showing a physical altercation between an elderly man and a teenager inside a Tim Hortons in Saanich has gone viral online.
The video has racked up over 11 million views since it was posted Friday.
The incident, which took place at the Tim Hortons inside Saanich Plaza across from Uptown Mall, reportedly happened in the afternoon on April 27th, according to Isaac Campbell, who filmed the encounter and shared it online after returning to the same restaurant weeks later.
Campbell told Victoria Buzz he began recording after food was thrown at him and others by a group of teenagers. He alleges one of the teens was tossing food “at everyone in the Tim Hortons,” including the wife of an older man.
In the video, the man is seen approaching the teen’s booth before leaning over and punching him multiple times. Another patron then steps in and appears to break up the confrontation.
Near the end of the video, a third man is also seen walking over and slapping the teen before leaving.
Campbell says Tim Hortons staff intervened to break things up and that, from what he observed, the teens did not retaliate. He left shortly after with his food and said the elderly man told the group to “be careful” as he exited the restaurant.
Saanich Police confirmed to Victoria Buzz that no report was made at the time, but they are now investigating after the video began circulating online.
“This incident was recently brought to our attention. A report has been filed and we are investigating,” said a spokesperson. “We’re asking anyone who was involved or may have witnessed this incident to come forward. Please call our non-emergency number, 250-475-4321, and indicate you are calling about file #25-10401.”
Reaction online has largely sided with the older man, with many viewers commenting in support of how he handled the situation.
Tim Hortons has not released a public statement about the incident as of this publication.
