RCMP calling for review on bear spray - September 21 Edition

Angie Mindus
Cariboo Advisor


The head of the Williams Lake RCMP is calling on City officials to consider banning bear spray and machettes in Williams Lake after a homeowner was attacked with bear spray when he interrupted a break and enter in his own home.


“Bear spray and machettes are the preferred weapons of choice in Williams Lake,” said Staff Sgt. Warren Brown, pointing out yet another incident Sunday evening involving youth and bear spray outside the 7-11 Food Store.


“I say the leaders of our community need to have a discussion on this. I believe (these weapons) are too accessible.”


The break and enter occurred at 9:50 p.m. Thursday when a homeowner returned home to the 1400 block of Western Avenue to find two teenage males inside his residence. Police say the homeowner was bear sprayed before the two suspects fled on foot.


According to Brown, last Thursday’s break and enter is just one more example of why the matter urgently needs to be addressed.


“Because we are #4 nationally on the violent crime severity index, and #1 in the province for violent crime, I would suggest it is our due diligence that we review whether it is acceptable to have access to these types of weapons in our community,” Brown said.


“I believe the risk far outweighs the benefits here.”


Brown said being sprayed by bear spray, which is readily available throughout the lakecity for its intended purpose of protecting oneself from a bear attack, is “completely incapacitating and very painful” when used on a person.


In year’s past, several patrons and employees of a pizza restaurant were terrorized by thieves brandishing machettes and bear spray, while Brown said his officers have also been confronted by teens waving bear spray this year.


“One day someone is going to get shot.”


The suspects from last Thursday’s break and enter are both described as native males; with one being in his mid-to-late teens, five foot six inches tall weighing about 140 pounds, while the other is described as being in his early teens, five foot four, 120 pounds and wearing a red hoodie.


Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to contact the Williams Lake RCMP or Crimestoppers.