By Canadian Press

Assault charges for man accused of bear-spraying Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C.

Mar 18, 2025 | 11:45 AM

NANAIMO, B.C. — RCMP have arrested a man who allegedly bear-sprayed two officers in Nanaimo, B.C.

Police say they were called out Saturday afternoon to a report of a man throwing an axe into the back of a passing truck.

They say officers who arrived at the scene recognized the suspect as someone with outstanding warrants, and he fled when officers approached him.

Police say that officers were bear-sprayed during the brief foot chase, before taking the man into custody.

The 40-year-old man from Nanaimo has been charged with two counts each of assaulting police and assault with a weapon, as well as multiple counts of breach of probation.

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Join us for a heartfelt Celebration of Life honouring Butler Urban Farm

19h ago

1000 Ways to Heal

1000 Ways to Heal: Two Spirited - An Indigenous Perspective

Mar 18, 2025

Question of the Week

Are you pleased with the government's plan to eliminate the provincial consumer carbon tax?

Mar 17, 2025

Police say the bear-sprayed officers were treated by paramedics.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 18, 2025.

The Canadian Press