Police are investigating after bear spray was discharged inside the food court at Mayfair Shopping Centre on Friday afternoon, affecting multiple shoppers including young children.
According to the VicPD, officers were called just after 2 p.m. on January 2nd to reports that bear spray had been released inside the busy food court at the mall.
Police said the area was crowded at the time, and the spray quickly spread, impacting numerous people who were not involved in the initial incident.
Adults and children were among those affected, with several experiencing irritation consistent with exposure to bear spray.
Police believe two youth suspects deployed the spray while targeting another group of youth inside the mall. The discharge, however, affected many unintended patrons who were dining or passing through the food court at the time.
Emergency crews from the Victoria Fire Department and BC Emergency Health Services responded alongside police. First responders provided medical assistance to those impacted, while the food court area was ventilated to clear the irritant.
The suspects left the mall before police arrived and have not yet been located.
The investigation is ongoind and no arrests have been made.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Victoria Police.
