Discharge of bear spray forced the evacuation of Pine Centre Mall for about an hour on Sunday and police are now on the lookout for a suspect.
Fire fighters and police were called to a complaint of noxious fumes shortly after noon and a can of bear spray was found in a garbage container within the mall.
No serious injuries were reported although several mall patrons complained of eye and throat irritation and at least one person was treated on scene by ambulance personnel.
Police are asking for the public's help in tracking down the suspect, identified as a Caucasian male, 20 to 30 years old, carrying a white backpack and motorcyle helmet and wearing a grey hoodie, a dark shirt and jeans. It's believed he left the mall on a dark-coloured sport motorcycle, possibly a Yamaha.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Prince George RCMP at 250-561-3300 or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.pgcrimestoppers.bc.ca, or Text-A-Tip to CRIMES (274637) using keyword "pgtips."
