Mission RCMP are reminding the public to call police if they suspect criminal activity. The warning comes following an incident where a man was pepper-sprayed in the face in front of his home on Boothby Avenue.
The incident took place in the early hours of Saturday, Feb. 25. Few details were released, but a Facebook post about the incident states the victim’s son heard strange noises at about 4:15 a.m. and found that a young woman in a newer model Hyundai was driving from house to house while a male was going into people’s yards.
The victim went outside to ask the girl if she needed help.
She replied that they were looking for a jerry can because they ran out of gas. When the male suspect approached the car, the victim attempted to talk to him, but he ran away from the scene.
The victim then returned to the woman in the car to continue their conversation.
That’s when she peppersprayed him in the face.
The victim attempted to detain the girl by reaching into the car and grabbing her hair, but she sped away, dragging the man a few feet until he let go.
The victim’s wife called 911, and police, fire and ambulance were dispatched.
Mission RCMP Const. James Mason said police are currently investigating the attack.
He said this is an example of why residents should use caution whenever they suspect criminal activity is taking place.
“We certainly understand the desire to get involved directly, but always caution the public to leave crimes in progress to us,” said Mason.
He warned the public not to engage people because you “never know what they are going to have” on them.
“You can help by maintaining a safe distance, observing and calling 911 without delay.”