AbbyPD. (Image Credit: AbbyPD.)

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Suspect arrested

Alleged Abbotsford shoplifter becomes combative during arrest, gets pepper sprayed: AbbyPD

Jan 29, 2026 | 8:31 AM

ABBOTSFORD – An individual suspected of shoplifting at an Abbotsford retail store was pepper sprayed Wednesday night after he allegedly became combative toward police.

According to a statement from AbbyPD spokesperson Sgt. Paul Walker, officers responded to a reported shoplifting in progress in the 2800 block of Gladwin Road just after 9 p.m. Wednesday night (Jan. 28).

Officers arrived moments later and saw the suspect exit the store still in possession of the stolen property. When one of the AbbyPD officers approached the man and advised him that he was under arrest, he allegedly became assaultive. As a result, additional officers were asked to assist.

During the struggle, OC spray (pepper spray) was deployed to help take the suspect safely into custody. 

“Our officers encounter unpredictable situations every day,” Sgt. Walker said. “What started as a routine shoplifting report quickly escalated due to the suspect assaultive behaviour, but the professionalism, training and quick response of our officers helped bring the incident under control without anyone being harmed.”

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The suspect was arrested and now faces criminal charges.