Worker wearing hijab spat on in possible New Westminster hate crime

Police are investigating what they describe as a possible hate crime in New Westminster,  B.C., in which a woman wearing a hijab was spat on.

It happened around 10 a.m. on Sunday, when police responded to a reported assault at a fast food restaurant on 6th Street near 5th Avenue.

Police arrived to learn a woman had allegedly spat on an employee.

“Based on the initial investigation, this matter is being investigated as a possible hate crime given the victim was wearing a hijab and based on comments the suspect made towards the victim,” police said in a Thursday media release.

Police have notified the Provincial Hate Crimes Unit, and are asking for witnesses to come forward.

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The suspect is described as about 55 years old, with dark brown shoulder-length hair. She was wearing a black and white top and had a shopping cart with her.

Anyone with information is asked to contact New Westminster police at 604-525-5411.