VicPD speak to witnesses after pepper spray was used in the Bay Centre Thursday morning.
Victoria police are looking for a suspect after one person was pepper sprayed and other people were affected by fumes from the spray at the Bay Centre Thursday morning.
According to police, officers were called to a report of an assault with a weapon at around 9:45 a.m.
Sgt. Paul Brooks of the VicPD said they are looking for a male suspect who had a can of pepper spray. Brooks said after an interaction on the street, the suspect chased a couple into the mall. Brooks said he then sprayed another innocent individual.
“It appears to be kind of a random thing,” Brooks said.
The suspect is described as aboriginal, in his 30s, wearing jeans, a plaid jacket and black baseball cap with an orange logo. He has a light beard and there was a silver ring on his finger.
Brooks said the pepper spray was in a contained environment but did come outside a bit.
“The fumes are very powerful. It affects people’s respiratory system. So we had the ambulance come to deal with the victim as well as some of the other people who were affected by the spray,” Brooks said.
According to Brooks, at least three people were affected by the spray but there also could have been more people dealing with the aftermath of the fumes.
A witness who spoke to CHEK News said she had a harm time breathing in the mall after the pepper spray was used. Another witness described a funny smell and burning eyes. She then stopped and left the mall.
Anyone who sees the suspect is asked to call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Alexa Huffman
