Police are on the lookout for three thugs believed to have assaulted a man and a woman with bear spray in an early-morning attack and robbery attempt on Wednesday.
Prince George RCMP were called to Spruce Street and 15th Avenue at about 5 a.m. Wednesday.
The first victim was waiting at a crosswalk when the three men, dressed in black and wearing balaclavas over their faces, demanded the man hand over his backpack. When the man refused, one of the attackers deployed bear spray in his face.
The second victim, a female, said she saw what was happening and called out and the men came after her and sprayed her with the bear repellent. She reported to police she was also struck on the leg by one of her attackers.
“These are very brazen attacks on innocent members of the public that we are taking very seriously,” said Prince George RCMP media relations officer Cpl. Jennifer Cooper.
“Though it was early in the morning, these assaults occurred near a busy intersection. We are asking for any witnesses to either assault, or for anyone with a dash cam that was in the area, to please contact an investigator by calling the non-emergency line at 250-561-3300. Please quote file number 2022-41240 or 2022-41241.”
Cooper describes the three suspects as standing between five-foot-nine and five-foot-10. At the time of the attacks they were wearing black jackets, toques and balaclava face masks.
If you have any information about this or any other criminal offence, please contact the Prince George RCMP at (250)561-3300 or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1(800)222-8477 or online at www.northernbccrimestoppers.ca. You do not have to reveal your identity and if you provide information that leads to an arrest or recovery of stolen property you could be eligible for a cash reward. The B.C. RCMP website offers tips for people to maintain their own personal safety.
