Two suspects were taken into custody after bear spraying an off-duty Comox Valley RCMP officer who intervened in a theft from a Courtenay business.
On June 6th, an off-duty RCMP officer was inside a Courtenay liquor store when he spotted two individuals exit the store without paying for their merchandise.
The off-duty member identified himself as a police officer, told the men to stop, and followed them out of the store.
Both men disregarded the instructions to stop and one of them pulled out what appeared to be bear spray and sprayed the officer in the face.
Despite feeling the effects of the bear spray, the officer continued in the direction of the men until one of them stopped and was placed under arrest.
On-duty officers located 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 of Comox Valley RCMP.
“The member is doing well and will be back at it for his next shift,” added Kurvers.
Both suspects were held in police custody pending a court appearance.
