A West Kelowna pizza shop owner is speaking out after what he describes as a frightening confrontation that turned out to be part of a social media prank. Dalwinder Dub, owner of Evergreen Pizzeria, said the incident last Wednesday evening left him shaken and hesitant about helping strangers in the future.
The trouble began when a teenager burst into the restaurant pleading for assistance. "Please help me, help me, someone is chasing me," Dub recalled the teen shouting. Moments later, security footage captured a second teenager rushing inside and yelling threats at the first.
"He was screaming that, 'Hey, I'm gonna kill you, I'm gonna do this and that,'" Dub said. The owner quickly stepped between the two teens in an attempt to calm the situation. Video shows the second teen jumping onto the counter before Dub managed to force him out of the shop.
What upset Dub most came after the confrontation ended. According to the owner, the two teens left together in the same vehicle. "Heartbroken when I realized that they are together," Dub said. "At that time, I was happy to help other guy, right? … I was just concerned about his safety."
During the incident, a cellphone and some petty cash were stolen from the shop. Dub now believes the entire episode was staged as a prank for social media. A video of the event later appeared on TikTok, reportedly recorded using sunglasses equipped with a camera.
Const. Ash Puri, media relations officer for West Kelowna RCMP, confirmed that the investigation is ongoing. "The investigation remains ongoing and police are following up on the information available," Puri said. Officers noted that the suspects wore similar clothing and may have been recording their actions.
Police treat such incidents seriously even when they appear to be pranks. "West Kelowna RCMP takes all complaints seriously including 'pranks' and investigate each one thoroughly to determine their validity," Puri said. No similar social media pranks have been reported to the detachment in recent months.
Dub expressed disappointment over the trend and its potential dangers. "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?" he said. "They might genuinely need help but I will hesitate."
The owner is calling on the teens to return the stolen items and offer an apology. "They should come back and then tell me that, hey, this is your stuff and this was a prank," Dub said. "We are sorry."
Security footage from the shop has been shared with authorities as part of the active investigation. The incident highlights growing concerns about staged confrontations designed to go viral online.
Local business owners in the area have not reported similar events recently, according to police. Dub hopes the teens involved will come forward to make things right.
The video's appearance on TikTok has drawn attention to the risks these pranks pose to bystanders who believe they are witnessing a real emergency. Dub remains disappointed that his willingness to help was exploited in this way.