Chilliwack RCMP initiate investigation into alleged robbery at Chilliwack park involving pepper spray

CHILLIWACK – A spokesperson for the Chilliwack RCMP detachment says police believe Friday’s haz mat situation involving several kids with skin and eye irritation at Portage Park is connected to an alleged robbery at that same park the previous night.

Chilliwack RCMP spokesperson Corporal Carmen Kiener says officers responded Friday morning (Apr. to reports of several young children experiencing irritation to their eyes and faces while playing at Portage Park.

Corporal Kiener says officers determined the irritation was likely caused by residual bear spray from a previous evening’s incident. She says the park was cordoned off, and the affected area was flushed with water to ensure it was safe for public use. The children were decontaminated and, a few hours later, were reported to have no lasting effects.

Police say the incident from the previous night was an alleged robbery reported to have occurred in the general area of the park. Corporal Kiener says there was no lingering odour when officers attended the area Thursday night.