Hamilton police are searching for a woman who struck a McDonald’s employee after she refused to leave the restaurant for failing to show her vaccine certificate.

Officers were called to the Walmart on Upper James St. around 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday for a “premise disturbance.”

Investigators learned a male and female inside the McDonald’s were arguing with staff about the recently implemented proof-of-vaccination system.

Police say the woman was not wearing a mask and refused to show her vaccine certificate. She then took a seat in the dining room and would not leave the store.

While officers were en route to the scene, police were told the woman struck a staff member in the face before exiting the restaurant.

The duo fled the area before police arrived on scene.

Police are trying to determine the identity of the woman. She is described as white, between 25 and 30 years of age, roughly five-foot-seven, with a medium build, and blonde shoulder-length hair. Police say she was wearing black pants and a black jacket.

Anyone with information that could help with the investigation is asked to contact police.