Bear spray suspects struck by their own vehicle in Salmon Arm

Two men were arrested in Salmon Arm after their bear spray attack went awry.

Police responded to Beatty Avenue shortly after 3 a.m. on April 19, according to a media release from the Salmon Arm RCMP. It was determined that three people went to the end of Narcisse Street Northwest in a car, and one of them, a male, bear sprayed a man who is living in a tent at the end of the street.

The victim was able to protect himself “somewhat” from the bear spray before starting a physical altercation with two of the male assailants, the release says. Then the suspects all tried to flee.

However the car they arrived in was left running and somebody else hopped in and struck them. Afterwards, the vehicle was parked in an empty lot nearby and police have not identified the driver.

The two suspects involved with the bear spray attack were arrested and had to go to the hospital to treat their injuries.

The investigation is ongoing and the RCMP is anticipating charges within the month.

The two suspects who were caught have been released on strict conditions, the release says, adding that the motive for the attack is unknown. Police say they are both from another community. 

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