A store worker was allegedly attacked with bear spray by a woman allegedly shoplifting in Downtown Vancouver who also attacked two police officers, according to Vancouver Police.
On Saturday (Jan. 21) around 3:30 p.m., two VPD constables were investigating an unrelated crime at a business near Granville and Georgia streets when "a store worker was suddenly attacked with bear spray" by someone police claim was engaged in shoplifting, according to a news release.
The suspect fled after the attack and the officers chased her out of the store and confronted her on the sidewalk. At this point, the suspect bear-sprayed the officers, which impacted some passersby. She also pulled out a gun, according to police.
“This was a violent and volatile situation created by a motivated suspect, but resolved by the calm and courageous actions of our officers,” says VPD Sgt. Steve Addison.
“Facing extreme danger to themselves and the public, the officers fought through the effects of the bear mace and disarmed the suspect before anyone was seriously hurt.”
Addison also told V.I.A. that "the gun will be examined to determine whether it was capable of firing. The results will be presented to Crown counsel as evidence for court."
The assaulted officers completed their shift and are recovering from their injuries.
Chauntelle Gelink, 24, was taken to jail following the incident and has been charged with robbery, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public, assaulting a police officer with a weapon, and assaulting peace officers.
Gelink is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, Jan. 25.
