VIDEO: Police in BC seek suspects in bear spray assault, swarming of youths

Police have released video footage of a bear spray attack and swarming of two youths in downtown Victoria.

Investigators from the Victoria Police Department are looking for assistance identifying three suspects who pepper sprayed and physically assaulted the youths.

*The following video contains graphic content (violence) - Viewer discretion is advised.* Investigators are looking for assistance identifying 3 suspects who pepper sprayed & physically assaulted two youth downtown #yyj on May 11.

Learn More: https://t.co/vJNKTXIgp7 pic.twitter.com/7kP2dzzDX1

— Victoria Police (@vicpdcanada) May 24, 2024

Just before 12:30 am on May 11, officers responded to multiple reports of an assault in the 600-block of Yates Street.

Officers attended and determined that two youth victims had been pepper sprayed and that one of the victims had also been swarmed, pushed to the ground and assaulted.

Witnesses nearby intervened to stop the assault, and the suspects left the area before police arrived.

Patrol officers searched the area but were not able to locate the suspects.

One of the victims was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

If you recognize any of these suspects, or have any information about this incident, please call the E-Comm Report Desk at (250) 995-7654 extension 1 and reference file number 24-16204. To report what you know anonymously, please call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip online at Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers.