2 arrested following random bear spraying, standoff in downtown Vancouver: police

Two people were arrested Friday morning, following a standoff in a downtown Vancouver grocery store following yet another alleged stranger attack, police say.

Vancouver police allege the suspects bear-sprayed two people near Burrard and Smithe streets around 8 a.m.

“We believe the assault was unprovoked, and that the victims did not know the suspects,” Sgt. Steve Addison said in an email.

2:03 VDP praises bystanders for stopping stranger attack

The suspects then barricaded themselves in the bathroom at the IGA on Burrard Street, according to police.

Officers called in a crisis negotiator and the suspects surrendered around 11 a.m., Addison said.

The suspects were taken into police custody and the investigation is ongoing.