Bear spray doesn’t stop store cop in Kelowna

KELOWNA – A loss prevention officer at Walmart in Kelowna took one for the team last week, arresting a man suspected of shoplifting despite being bear sprayed.

The loss prevention officer was one of nine people treated for exposure to bear spray, Kelowna RCMP media officer Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey said in a press release, after the afternoon assault on Wednesday, Aug. 1.

A 61-year-old Beaverdell man was arrested and faces “numerous potential charges”, police said, while eight bystanders, including a one-year-old infant, were exposed when the officer attempted to arrest the man and he fought back.

The man allegedly left the store without paying for some food items, O’Donaghey said.

Despite being sprayed, the loss prevention officer managed to subdue the suspect and hold him for police.

Witnesses who have not yet spoken to RCMP are asked to call 250-762-3300.

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