Two individuals were in custody after using bear spray on an off-duty Comox Valley RCMP officer intervening in a theft, according to police.
RCMP say the officer was inside a Courtenay liquor store on Sunday when he noticed two individuals leave without paying for their items.
Police say he identified himself as a police officer, told the two to stop and followed them out of the store.
Outside the store, one of the individuals pulled out what appeared to be bear spray and sprayed the officer in the face, according to police. Police say the member continued towards the individuals despite feeling the effects of the bear spray and arrested one of them.
Police say frontline members came to the area and arrested the second suspect.
“The commitment to the safety of our community by this member is indisputable. Despite being on his time off, those police instincts kicked in and the crime in progress was halted,” said Insp. Mike Kurvers, Officer in Charge, Comox Valley RCMP. “The member is doing well and will be back at it for his next shift.”
Both the suspects were held in police custody pending a court appearance.
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