Abbotsford Police are on the hunt for a man who assaulted and threatened a Starbucks barista because the outlet didn't have cream for his coffee.

Const. Ian MacDonald said a man ordered a beverage at the Starbucks on Sumas Way around 6 p.m. on Wednesday night.

When the female employee told him there was no cream, he began yelling and swearing.

"To him, this is absolutely unacceptable," said MacDonald.

"He gets in her face and yells at her, and punctuates it with throwing water in her face."

The suspect, a Caucasian man in his 40s, stomped out of the store and drove away in his blue Ford pickup truck.

The truck's licence plate was obtained and the registered owner's address is located on Vancouver Island, said MacDonald.

The APD will work with the appropriate police agency to pursue charges of assault and uttering threats, he said.

Investigators plan to confirm the identity of the suspect by reviewing surveillance video from the Starbucks and surrounding businesses.

The barista involved was frightened and badly shaken by the incident, said MacDonald.

The suspect's reaction was so excessive that it posed further concern for police.

"If a cup of coffee sets him off to this degree, can you image what would happen if something of real consequence occurs?" MacDonald asked.

"He got in a truck and probably got onto the highway. What if someone changes lanes in front of him or something?"