August 28, 2025
RED FM News Desk
The Chilliwack RCMP has arrested a teenager following a series of bear spray incidents that occurred in public spaces.
In a short period between August 26 and the early hours of August 27, Chilliwack RCMP responded to three separate incidents involving the illegal use of bear spray in public spaces.
The first incident occurred at Central Park, where a 14-year-old was sprayed and required emergency medical assistance. The second took place outside a local pub, where a known individual was attacked but declined to pursue an investigation. The most serious incident happened near Sardis Secondary School, where a group altercation led to one person being sprayed.
Police said that in the third case, officers quickly identified and arrested a 15-year-old suspect nearby. The youth was found to be in breach of court-imposed conditions prohibiting the possession of weapons and was held in custody for court proceedings on August 27.
Bear spray is classified as a prohibited weapon under the Criminal Code when used against people. Although it is marketed as a pest control product, its possession for self-defense against individuals is illegal in Canada.
To further address this issue, the City of Chilliwack enacted the “Sale of Pepper Spray, Bear Spray, and Continuous Flame Butane Lighter Regulation Bylaw 2021, No. 5056” in March 2025. This bylaw regulates who can purchase bear spray and requires sellers to document its sale. Despite these measures, the misuse of bear spray, particularly by youth, continues.
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