A Hamilton man is charged with assault after police say he spat at a Tim Hortons drive-thru worker.

Just after 3:30 p.m. last Friday, a customer was in line at a Tim Hortons on the east Mountain, Hamilton Police Service says.

He placed his order and drove to the window, but when he got there "a discrepancy arose over the form of payment," police said in a media release.

The customer became "verbally aggressive," police say, but paid and received his order.

As the driver left, police say, he spat three times at the employee, hitting her and the drive-thru window.

The next day, police say, investigators identified a suspect vehicle and driver, and arrested a Hamilton man the following day.

Police say during the COVID-19 pandemic, people have to be patient and exercise "better judgment, especially during this challenging time."

A 52-year-old Hamilton man is charged with assault and mischief under $5,000. He was released and will appear in court on May 25.

Tim Hortons has closed its dining rooms and in-store service because of COVID-19, but is still offering drive-thru service.