This past weekend, two Nanaimo RCMP officers were bear sprayed while attempting to arrest a man.
At around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 15th, police were called to Aulds Road near Metral Drive to respond to a report of a man “throwing an axe into the back of a passing truck.”
Police say that when officers arrived on the scene, they recognized the man as 40-year-old Kym Arkell, and knew there were outstanding warrants for his arrest.
Officers reportedly approached Arkell, but he took off on foot and a short chase ensued, which is when police say the suspect discharged bear spray at the officers.
Police say that despite the bear-spray, the officers were able to take Arkell into custody without further incident.
Paramedics responded shortly after to the scene to treat the officers.
According to Nanaimo RCMP, Arkell was arrested for the bear-spray incident and for the outstanding warrants attached to his name.
For this incident, he was charged with two counts of assaulting police officers, two counts of assault with a weapon as well as several counts of breaching probation.
Police say Arkell has been remanded into police custody and will remain there until his next court appearance.
