After a suspect hit a police officer in the face with pepper spray and refused to give himself up to the Mounties who tracked him down, a police dog brought him into compliance.
Hospitalization was required for the suspect. On Friday during the noon hour, the assaulted police officer approached a group of youths, three girls and two boys, to ask them questions about a missing male.
"The officer was trying to determine if one of these youth was the male reported missing," said Prince George RCMP spokeswoman Cpl. Julie Champagne.
The officer was on patrol in the vicinity or Redwood Street and 20th Avenue when he got out of his car to speak to the group.
"While the officer was speaking to the youths, one of the males stepped sideways and pulled out a canister of bear spray and subsequently sprayed the officer," said Champagne. "The officer pursued the suspect. During that pursuit the suspect sprayed two more times, striking the officer again in the face. The officer immediately felt the effect of the second spray and requested for immediate assistance."
The youth fled the area. RCMP service dog Baron soon arrived at the scene and began tracking the suspect. The police dog caught up to him at the 2300 block of Redwood Street.
"The youth refused to comply with police commands," Champagne explained. "Police service dog Baron apprehended the youth. The youth received contacts from the dog and was transported to the University Hospital of Northern BC for treatment."
After being released from the hospital, the suspect was held in custody, where he would remain until a court appearance.
"After the effect of the bear spray wore off, the officer resumed police duties," Champagne said.
It was not disclosed if, once the suspect's identity was known, the suspect and the missing young man were one and the same.
