Two men have been arrested over two weeks after a bear spray incident at a North Vancouver mall.
According to North Vancouver RCMP, the two men who were arrested are believed to be responsible for a bear-spray attack at Capilano Mall.
The incident took place on Dec. 18, at around 4:20 p.m, when North Vancouver RCMP received multiple reports of an assault at Capilano Mall.
Allegations suggest that two masked men entered a store, deploying bear spray on three employees.
Nothing was stolen, and the suspects fled before police got to the scene.
“Numerous frontline officers responded to the area, including the RCMP Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (drone). Despite extensive efforts, no arrests were made that day,” North Vancouver RCMP said in a release.
After reviewing CCTV footage and speaking with multiple witnesses, investigators were able two identify two suspects.
On Jan. 3, officers who were patrolling the 1300 block of Marine Drive recognized the two suspects from the CCTV footage. Both suspects were immediately taken into police custody.
“We’re relieved that no one suffered serious physical injuries, but the impact of this incident is still significant,” said Corporal Mansoor Sahak, Media Relations Officer for the North Vancouver RCMP, in a statement.
“Being bear‑sprayed in a confined space is extremely traumatic, and the employees involved have endured a great deal. We’re grateful for the community’s assistance and are pleased that arrests have now been made.”
Police are still looking for witnesses who may not have yet spoken with police. Witnesses are being asked to call 604-985-1311, quoting file #25-26345.
RCMP has not shared specifics regarding which store was targeted at the North Vancouver mall.