Vancouver police release video of alleged bear-spray assault inside boutique
Posted October 8, 2022 1:48 pm.
Last Updated October 8, 2022 1:58 pm.
Vancouver police have released a video from a downtown robbery where allegedly two retail employees were bear-sprayed in the face.
The robbery happened inside of a boutique on Vancouver’s Howe Street on Sept. 30.
According to the police, a man and woman worked together to rob the store.
The woman came into the boutique and starting browsing, taking time to pose in front of a mirror with a purse.
#VPDNews: #VPD is releasing security video of two people who robbed a Howe Street boutique by bearspraying staff last weekend. Anyone with information is asked to call 604-717-4034. https://t.co/FLSkZNAOaO pic.twitter.com/UVat7TqQq7
— Vancouver Police (@VancouverPD) October 7, 2022
“While staff members were distracted, a male accomplice entered the store. When the woman tried to leave without paying, the man sprayed the staff in the face, grabbed clothing off the rack, then ran out,” VPD said in a release.
“Everything about this crime was pre-meditated, and we know from experience that criminals like this often strike multiple times before they get caught,” says Sgt. Steve Addison.
He also notes that both employees were injured and traumatized.
“It’s likely these suspects live nearby or frequent the area, and we’re hoping someone who recognizes them will call police so we can begin to hold them accountable.”
Stolen items are often sold online or on the Downtown Eastside, police say.
VPD is asking anyone with information about this incident to contact them at 604-717-4034.
