A West Kelowna, B.C., business owner is speaking out about a frightening confrontation inside his pizza shop, which appears to have been part of a social media prank.
Dalwinder Dub, owner of Evergreen Pizzeria, says the incident, which happened last week on a Wednesday evening, went too far.
Dalwinder Dub, owner of Evergreen Pizzeria, says the incident happened Wednesday evening when a teenager ran into the restaurant pleading for help.
“Please help me, help me, someone is chasing me,” Dub recalled the teen shouting.
Security footage shows the teen peering out the front window moments before a second teenager rushes inside, yelling at the first teen.
“He was screaming that, ‘Hey, I’m gonna kill you, I’m gonna do this and that,’” Dub said.
Concerned, Dub said he immediately stepped in to try to calm the situation, placing himself between the two teens.
Security video also shows that at one point, the second teen jumped onto the counter before Dub was eventually able to force him out of the restaurant.
But Dub said what upset him most was what happened afterward.
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According to Dub, the two teens left together in the same vehicle.
Dub said a cellphone and some petty cash were stolen during the incident, one he now believes was part of a social media prank.
“The investigation remains ongoing and police are following up on the information available,” said Const. Ash Puri, West Kelowna RCMP media relations officer.
“The suspects were described as wearing similar clothing and may have been recording their actions.”
A video of the incident was later posted to TikTok and appears to have been recorded using sunglasses with filming capabilities.
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Dub expressed disappointment, saying it’s a potentially dangerous trend.
“I’m always happy to help but next time, if someone comes and asks for help, I think I will think twice — should I help them or no?” Dub said. “They might genuinely need help but I will hesitate.”
While Puri said social media pranks have not been reported to the West Kelowna Detachment in recent months, police treat the reports seriously.
“West Kelowna RCMP takes all complaints seriously, including ‘pranks’ and investigate each one thoroughly to determine their validity,” Puri said.
Dub is calling on the teens involved to return the stolen items and apologize.
“They should come back and then tell me that, hey, this is your stuff and this was a prank,” Dub said. “We are sorry.”
India owns half of BC, and China owns the rest.
Kelowna has the highest crime rate in Canada. How is this a surprise. Yawn
Get rid of the Young Offenders Act (aka protect parent reputation act), and send these pos to jail.
These kids need to get some hobbies, get out in the fresh air, and throw their phones in the garbage.
Should have shot them with buck shot
This is much worse than just theft because it makes people less likely to help others in times of true need. This is the real tragedy. Stupid kids.
Doing something because you are desperate for attention online doesnt make it any less of a crime
It just makes the criminal a little more stupid than average
Even if they find these people nothing will happen because there is no consequences for anything anymore. Kelowna and West Kelowna are getting a really bad reputation over the last few months for crime and vandalism.
Average day in sht town
It’s not a prank if they stole cash and a cell phone – it’s theft.
Lowlife punk kids. TikTok is an abomination on our society.
Kudos to store owner who stepped in to help but look what he ended up with. These teens should be charged. Kelowna is getting dumber every day. Hooe the parents notice