Cricket players attacked and bear sprayed during match in Vancouver, police say

VANCOUVER — An evening cricket match in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood was interrupted by a man who used bear spray on the players, then broke a man’s arm in a subsequent fight.

Police say it started Saturday night when a 45-year-old man repeatedly interrupted the game, and when he was asked to leave, he became aggressive, and started shouting and swearing.

They say that’s when he punched a player and blasted the pepper spray at five others before taking off.

Several people followed the man, who turned around several times to shower them with bear repellent, before he allegedly punched a player and tackled him to the ground, breaking his arm.

Police received multiple complaints and say they took a man into custody.

The suspect has been freed from jail on a promise to appear for a court date, while the victim was treated in hospital and released.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 22, 2026.