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Two Subjects Still Unknown in Mall Pepper Spray Incident

Mar 13, 2016 | 12:29 PM

LETHBRIDGE – A motive still isn’t know after Park Place Mall had to be evacuated on Saturday, following an incident where pepper spray was discharged.

Around 5:12-pm, police received reports of a man being chase along 1st Avenue South by several males, one of which was holding a large knife.

The 26-year old victim was located at the south entrance of the mall, suffering from the effects of bear spray. He was treated by EMS and taken into custody for questioning shortly after. No other victims needed treatment.

Further investigation determined the victim was at the mall earlier that same day with a group of friends. They were approached by a second group and engaged in conversation. Both groups left the mall, and the victim and his friends came back to the area just after 5-pm.

The second group was observed exiting a gold or bronze colored SUV, and the victim’s group approached them. One of the males from the second group pulled a large knife and began chasing the victim towards the south entrance, where he was eventually bear sprayed. All of the suspects fled the area before police arrived.

Park Place administration decided to close the mall while the fire department completed a full Hazmat decontamination process. It’s expected to open later Sunday afternoon.

One subject has been identified, and police are trying to locate him. Two other subjects are still unknown.

However, the male who pulled the knife was captured on mall surveilance footage (pictured to the right). He’s described as Aboriginal, in his 20s, with an average build, wearing a grey hoodie, black pants and had acne on his face.

The second unknown suspect was not caught on surveillance, but was also described as Aboriginal, in his 20s, tall with a stocky build and wearing all black clothing with some red accents.

While the motive isn’t know at this time, police reassure the public that there is no evidence to suggest an on-going threat. The Blood Tibe Police Service has also been pulled into the investigation.

Anyone with information is urged to contact city police at 403-328-4444 or Crimestopppers at 1-800-222-8477, or online at tipsubmit.ca.