A Comox Valley Mountie got his man — despite being sprayed with bear spray during a robbery at a Courtenay business on Sunday.
An off-duty member of the Comox Valley RCMP was inside a Courtenay liquor store when he observed two individuals allegedly exit the store without paying for their merchandise.
He identified himself as a police officer and ordered the two men to stop.
Police said the men ran, with one of them pulling out what appeared to be a container of bear spray and spraying the officer in the face.
Despite feeling the effects of the bear spray, the Mountie continued in his pursuit, apprehending one man.
His colleagues arrived soon after and arrested the second.
“The commitment to the safety of our community by this member is indisputable. Despite being on his time off, those police instincts kicked in and the crime in progress was halted,” said Insp. Mike Kurvers, the officer in charge of Comox Valley RCMP. “The member is doing well and will be back at it for his next shift.”
Both suspects were held in police custody pending a court appearance.
