Chatham suspect uses bear spray during reported theft attempt, leaves behind bike: police

Chatham-Kent police say a man used bear spray on a store employee as he tried to make off with a laptop on Tuesday.

The alleged incident happened just before 6 a.m. when police say a man entered a business on Richmond Street.

According to police, the man tried to steal a computer, and when an employee approached him, the man allegedly sprayed the employee with bear repellent.

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Officers say the employee didn’t require medical attention.

Police describe the suspect as between 100 and 150 pounds with a tattoo on his neck in cursive writing. He was wearing a blue T-shirt and plaid shorts at the time of the alleged incident.

Officers say the suspect left a GT bike (pictured above) behind at the scene.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Const. Kyle Bakker at  kyleba@chatham-kent.ca or 519-436-6600 extension #87320. Information can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).