VicPD has released graphic footage of a pepper spray attack on two teens in downtown Victoria over the weekend.
The video was released in hopes that the public could help identify the three suspects who pepper-sprayed and physically assaulted two teenagers.
The incident occurred just before 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 11th, in the 600-block of Yates Street. Police said they received multiple calls about the attack.
Responding officers 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.
Nearby witnesses intervened to stop the assault, and the suspects left the area before officers arrived. Police searched the area but were unable to locate the suspects.
Police released footage of one of the assaults, which showed the suspects first bear spraying one of the teens before kicking and punching the victim while on the ground. A large group of people could be seen running to aid the helpless teen near the end of the clip.
One of the victims was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Content warning: graphic footage; viewer discretion is advised:
*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
This incident comes just a day after VicPD warned the public about an increase in youth violence in the Esquimalt area.
In their media release, VicPD stated that for the second weekend in a row, they have responded to reports of youths fighting and using pepper spray in the Esquimalt area.
Just before 8:30 p.m. on Friday, May 17th, officers attended the 1100-block of Esquimalt Road after receiving a report of a pepper-spraying incident.
It was determined that the victim, a male youth, was approached by a group of youths that began acting aggressively towards him. The victim tried to walk away but was followed by one of the suspects from the group, who then pepper-sprayed the victim in the face and torso.
Officers searched the area and located the suspect nearby. He was arrested and then released into the care of his guardian with a future court date.
Later that same night, just after 9:30 p.m., patrol officers received multiple calls regarding a fight occurring amongst a group of approximately 20 to 30 youths in the 1200-block of Esquimalt Road.
Police attended, and many of the youths dispersed, were uncooperative with police, or provided conflicting accounts of what occurred. No arrests were made, and the remaining youths were either picked up by caregivers or driven home by officers.
No significant injuries were reported, but one of the youths was treated by BC Emergency Health Services paramedics due to being pepper-sprayed.
If you recognize any of the suspects from the downtown attack or have any information about this incident, call VicPD at (250) 995-7654. To report anonymously, please call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip online at Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers.
