B.C. ferry rage attacker allegedly drunk

Police say a man who became upset after missing a ferry sailing from Nanaimo, B.C., was drunk when he allegedly punched a BC Ferries employee in the head.

Nanaimo RCMP Const. Gary O'Brien said a 26-year-old man allegedly assaulted a BC Ferries employee after being told he'd missed his intended sailing from the Departure Bay terminal.

O'Brien said the man, a passenger in a vehicle, became agitated after a ticket agent told him and his two travelling companions they missed the five-minute cut-off for the 3 p.m. PT sailing to Horseshoe Bay.

O'Brien said the man then allegedly stepped out of the vehicle "and proceeded to verbally berate the employee."

"Several employees came to her assistance and at one point, the male punched a male employee in the head," he said.

"Other employees converged and before police arrived, he pushed then swung at and attempted to kick other employees."  

Police who responded to the call pepper-sprayed the man, who was arrested and taken into custody. The man, whose name has not been made public, was later released with a promise to appear in court on Feb. 14.

O'Brien said alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor. He said none of the BC Ferries employees involved in the incident were seriously injured.