Two Suspects Arrested in Bear-Spray Assault at Capilano Mall

UPDATE: Two suspects have been arrested in connection with a shocking bear-spray assault that occurred at Capilano Mall in North Vancouver last month. The incident, which took place on December 18, 2023, involved two masked individuals who unleashed bear spray on three store employees, leaving them traumatized but fortunately unharmed.

At approximately 4:20 p.m. on that day, police received urgent reports of the assault. Eyewitness accounts revealed that the assailants did not attempt to steal anything but fled the scene before authorities arrived. Numerous officers, including members of the RCMP’s Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (drone), were dispatched to the area, but no arrests were made at that time.

Following an extensive investigation, officers reviewed CCTV footage and gathered testimonies from multiple witnesses, successfully identifying the suspects. On January 3, 2024, while conducting proactive patrols in the 1300-block of Marine Drive, officers recognized the two suspects from the footage and swiftly took them into custody.

“We’re relieved that no one suffered serious physical injuries, but the impact of this incident is still significant,” stated Cpl. Mansoor Sahak, Media Relations Officer for North Vancouver RCMP. “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.”

Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the incident and has not yet come forward to contact the police at 604-985-1311 and quote file #25-26345.

As this investigation continues, the community is left to grapple with the emotional toll of such a frightening experience. The swift actions taken by law enforcement highlight the importance of vigilance and community cooperation in ensuring public safety. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.