Kelowna mall stung by second food-court pepper-spray incident

Patrons of a Kelowna mall food court were met with the stinging scent of pepper spray Thursday in what was the second attack of its kind in less than a month.

Police say at around  3:30 p.m. Jan. 12, a pepper spray attack played out at Orchard Park Shopping Mall’s food court.

“Witnesses described one male had bear sprayed another male, then fled on foot,” RCMP said in a press release distributed Friday.

“Multiple officers responded along with RCMP Police Dog Service but unfortunately due to weather and traffic conditions (a) track could not be obtained.”

2:09 Man shaken by random pepper-spray attack in Kits

The ages of the assailant and the victim were not disclosed but Mounties said the victim was released to his parents, with the expectation of a full recovery, after treatment from paramedics.

The victim was said to know his assailant but declined to provide police with a statement.

The first pepper spray incident at the mall was on Boxing Day. No one was injured on that occasion.

1:33 “We don’t want things to go south here:” alleged pepper spray attack victim speaks out

“We are extremely concerned by this unacceptable behaviour which put several innocent members of the public at risk,” Const. Mike Della-Paolera said.

“Our investigators will continue to gather all the evidence and will be forwarding charges when the suspect’s identity is confirmed.”