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A recent incident of a law enforcement officer attempting to enforce social distancing resulted in the officer being physically assaulted, according to Mayor Bonnie Crombie.

In a city press conference today, the mayor said that the city will continue to see people violating park amenities closures, and recounted a recent incident in Malton where eight men were gathered around a fire.

When a bylaw officer approached the men, he was reportedly punched in the face.

The offender was charged with assault and given a ticket.

“It's unfortunate our officer was assaulted for doing his job in a time of crisis,” said Mayor Crombie.

Peel police were unable to comment on the incident at this time.

Under the province’s current emergency orders, gatherings of more than five people are not permitted unless all people are from the same household.

Fines of at least $750 may be issued for those found to be in violation of the province’s emergency orders.