White Rock RCMP are investigating a pair of pepper-spray incidents on the city's waterfront late Thursday, July 10.
One man told Peace Arch News on Friday, July 11 that his brother was sprayed in the face shortly before midnight, near the pier-head clock. He'd been at an area restaurant and was on his way home when he was confronted "out of nowhere" by a group of young men, estimated to be in their 20s, the man said.
"One walked up to him sprayed him right in the eyes and ran off," he said, sharing what his brother had described.
Police later told the brothers that a second incident had been reported shortly after.
Staff Sgt. Rob Dixon, detachment commander for White Rock RCMP, confirmed with Peace Arch News that police received a report of the bear-spraying incident shortly before midnight on July 10.
"Apparently words were exchanged between the victim and a group of suspects before the noxious spray was deployed. The suspects fled on foot westward along Marine Drive," he said in an email.
"Approximately 20 minutes later, police received a second report that a male had been sprayed near the museum. The suspects also allegedly stole his gold chain and again fled on foot before getting into what is believed to be a blue van and driving away, westbound."
Dixon said the suspects in both incidents were described as a group of four young men dressed in dark clothing, speaking what was believed to be Arabic.
"While the description of the suspects in both incidents is the same, the victims are unrelated," he said.
Anyone who witnessed the incidents who has yet to speak with police, or anyone who might have dash-cam footage or CCTV is asked to contact the White Rock RCMP at 778-545-4800.
