Surveillance screenshot of a suspect accused of using bear spray at the Bowen Rd. 7-Eleven location on Wednesday, May 10 at 4:20 a.m. (Nanaimo RCMP)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

bear spray used

Clerks hit with bear spray during Nanaimo convenience store robbery

May 17, 2023 | 2:57 PM

NANAIMO — Local police are trying to identify a man accused of unloading a can of bear spray at a pair of clerks at a central Nanaimo store.

Nanaimo RCMP say the incident happened on Wednesday, May 10 at 4:20 a.m. at the Bowen Rd. 7-Eleven location where the workers reported an unknown man wearing a face covering entered the store and discharged bear spray.

The suspect stole a small amount of food and then ran off in an unknown direction.

RCMP officers and Police Dog Services looked for the man but couldn’t find him.

The workers did not require medical attention after they were checked over on scene by paramedics.

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Surveillance footage from the businesses captured the suspect whose described as a white male and of medium height and build.

He was wearing a blue jacket, distinctive camo hoodie, a face mask, and was carrying a blue and black backpack at the time.

Anybody with information is asked to contact Nanaimo RCMP’s non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.

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