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Two RCMP officers attacked with spray at crash scene

Two people are being sought after Port Alberni RCMP officers were hit with what is believed to be bear spray Tuesday when they responded about 7:15 a.m. to a report of a truck and trailer crashing into a ditch.
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RCMP

Two people are being sought after Port Alberni RCMP officers were hit with what is believed to be bear spray Tuesday when they responded about 7:15 a.m. to a report of a truck and trailer crashing into a ditch.

Police said a pickup truck was going west through town when it lost control and hit the ditch. The man and woman inside exited the truck and appeared to be uninjured.

As two officers talked to the pair, they received information that the truck was stolen. When they told the man he was under arrest, he grabbed a spray can from his jacket and sprayed the officers in the face before fleeing on foot.

One officer was able to give chase but was unable to catch the man because of the effects of the spray.

Meanwhile, the woman walked away during the commotion and is also at large.

Police have ascertained that the man tried to steal another vehicle as he fled but was scared off by the alarm.

Two Nanaimo RCMP police dogs were brought in but nothing was turned up.

The officers received medical treatment and returned to their shift.