Richmond RCMP is advising people not to pursue suspected criminals, after the owner of a broken-into vehicle was allegedly bear-sprayed.
At around 2:15 p.m. on Saturday, May 2 police were called after a man was allegedly observed smashing the window of a vehicle and stealing a wallet from inside.
When the suspect was confronted, he ran away and the vehicle’s owner followed while his friend dialed 9-1-1.
The friend provided a brief description of the male suspect, as well as the direction he had run and Mounties quickly flooded the area and located the owner of the vehicle.
The vehicle owner told police that as he followed the suspect, the male had slowed down, lending the owner to think the suspect might return the wallet.
However, as he got near the suspect, he was allegedly pepper-sprayed. Despite this, the vehicle owner continued to follow the suspect in the hopes of retrieving his wallet.
The suspect managed to lose the victim but with the assistance of a police service dog, he was located hiding in some bushes.
The male was arrested and held in-custody.
As a result, Coleton Szalay, who is known to police, has now been charged with assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and theft under $5,000.
“We understand that the victim wanted to retrieve his wallet, but trying to approach a suspect can be dangerous,” said Cpl. Adriana Peralta.
“Fortunately, the victim wasn’t injured, but we want to remind the public that if they witness a crime to keep a safe distance, provide updates of the individual’s whereabouts to police, and let the police be the ones to make an approach.”
Richmond RCMP recovered the victim’s wallet and seized a can of bear spray from the suspect.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or has information, is asked to contact Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212 and quote file number 2020-12015. Should you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crimestoppers by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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