Image: File photo, Mike Vanden Bosch / File photo of Chilliwack RCMP vehicle.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Youth arrested

Teen arrested for alleged role in several pepper spray incidents: Chilliwack RCMP

Aug 28, 2025 | 8:21 AM

CHILLIWACK — A Chilliwack RCMP spokesperson says a 15-year-old youth has been arrested in connection with a series of incidents this week involving the illegal use of bear spray in public.

According to a statement from RCMP spokesperson Sgt. Alexandra Mulvihill, police in Chilliwack responded to three incidents between Tuesday, Aug. 26 and the early hours of Wednesday, August 27.

Sgt. Mulvihill says the the first incident occurred at Central (Community) Park where a 14-year-old was sprayed and needed emergency medical assistance.

The second incident occurred outside a local pub where a known individual was attacked but declined to pursue an investigation.

However, the most serious incident happened near Sardis Secondary School, where a group altercation led to one person being sprayed. 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 possession of weapons and was held in custody for court proceedings on Wednesday, August 27.

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“Bear spray is classified as a prohibited weapon under the Criminal Code when used against people. Though marketed as a pest control product, its possession for self-defence against individuals is illegal in Canada,” Sgt. Mulvihill said.

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 stipulates who can purchase bear spray and requires sellers to document its sale.

“Despite these measures, bear spray continues to be misused, particularly by youth,” Sgt. Mulvihill said. “The Chilliwack RCMP remain committed to enforcing both federal laws and municipal bylaws. Officers will continue to work with local businesses to ensure compliance and will pursue charges against individuals who illegally possess or use bear spray.”

Anyone with information about illegal activity like this is encouraged to contact the Upper Fraser Valley RCMP detachment at 604-792-4611, or submit tips anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).