A teenager was apprehended by Chilliwack police on Wednesday following a series of public assaults involving bear spray that occurred within a span of hours.
According to the Chilliwack RCMP, they received reports of three instances of bear spray being illegally used overnight between August 26 and August 27.
The first incident took place at approximately 7 p.m. in Central Park on Tuesday, where a 14-year-old was sprayed and needed immediate medical attention.
Later that same night around 10 p.m., another individual was sprayed outside a local pub. Although the victim was identified, they chose not to pursue an investigation, as per police reports.
The most severe incident occurred around 1 a.m. on Wednesday near Sardis Secondary School, where an individual was sprayed during a group altercation.
A statement released on Thursday mentioned that in the third case, a 15-year-old suspect was swiftly identified and arrested in close proximity to the scene.
It was revealed by authorities that the suspect had violated court-imposed conditions by carrying a weapon.
Sgt. Alexandra Mulvihill informed 1130 NewsRadio that while the police suspect the teenager’s involvement in the initial incident, they are unable to confirm his connection to the second one.
The teenager was detained for court proceedings on Wednesday.
The Chilliwack RCMP is emphasizing that possessing bear spray for self-defense against humans is illegal in Canada.
Additionally, a Chilliwack city bylaw governs the purchase of bear spray and mandates sellers to maintain sales documentation.