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November 9, 2017

Juvenile Offender Remanded in Custody after Charges in Bear Spray Assault

New Westminster – A 17-year-old Burnaby youth has been remanded in custody following an alleged unprovoked assault with bear spray at a Burnaby SkyTrain station.

On November 1, 2017, at approximately 9:40 am, a man and his son were walking down a staircase, as they left a Burnaby SkyTrain station platform, when they were confronted by a youth who felt they were moving too slowly. When the man turned to speak to the youth, he was allegedly sprayed several times in the face with bear spray. The youth was then seen running out of the station.

The victim, who was having difficulty breathing, was assisted by a SkyTrain Attendant, and later treated by paramedics. Other passengers in the area were also affected by the spray, including an elderly woman who had difficulty standing and breathing. Paramedics also assisted these passengers.

Metro Vancouver Transit Police were called and initiated an investigation. A Burnaby RCMP officer heard the description of the suspect over police radio and was eventually able to identify a potential suspect, leading to further investigation by Transit Police.

At 11:30 am, November 2, 2017, the suspect was taken into custody at his school in Burnaby. He was charged with one count of Assault with a Weapon and, one count of Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose, and was remanded in custody. The accused is well known to police, having been convicted of several violent offences earlier this year. He was the subject of two Youth Court Orders and an Undertaking that prohibited him from possessing any type of pepper spray, including bear spray. He will be making his next court appearance in Robson Street Youth Court today.

This investigation is a good example of excellent inter-agency cooperation and an overall quick response by police. We thank the passengers who remained behind to assist the victim and provide statements to investigators.

Text us directly and discreetly at 87 77 77 or call us at 604-515-8300.

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