Westshore RCMP are searching for a man who released bear spray into a store in Langford on Thursday.
The incident happened at around 6 p.m. at Devonshire Market at 808 Goldstream Ave., a busy corner store in Langford’s downtown.
Officers were called to the market after owner Anoop Dhami reported he had caught a man attempting to steal an item.
Police said Dhami told the man to leave and the man complied, but made comments about lighting fires as he walked out.
The store owner then began to smell bear spray and called 911.
RCMP determined the suspect released bear spray into the store through an external vent, and said the use of the aerosol has been a troubling trend on the West Shore.
“This is the fourth incident involving bear spray in the last week,” Cst. Meighan Massey said in a statement. “There is an added risk with an aerosol such as bear spray to injure uninvolved bystanders.
“This is worrisome in a neighbourhood store frequented by children.”
Dhami was not injured and police are continuing to investigate the matter.
Police are asking the public to help identify and locate the man from the store.
He is described as Caucasian, wearing camo-print cargo-style shorts, a paint splattered grey long sleeve T-shirt with “Sundowner” written on the front, white shoes and a black mask.
If you recognize the man, contact the West Shore RCMP at 250-474-2264, or call Crimestoppers at 250-475-4260.
