Two charged after bear spray assault during East Vancouver retail robbery attempt

Two men are facing criminal charges after Vancouver Police say a loss prevention officer was assaulted during an attempted retail theft in East Vancouver earlier this week.

Police were called shortly before 8:40 a.m. on February 2 to a store near Glen Drive and Terminal Avenue, where officers say two suspects used bear spray on an employee while trying to flee on foot with unpaid merchandise. The victim did not require hospital treatment, according to police.

An extensive search of the surrounding area followed, involving patrol officers, a police drone, and a canine unit. The suspects were located a short time later in the Strathcona neighbourhood near Maclean Park and taken into custody without further incident.

Vancouver Police have charged Damian Derby, 30, and Cordell Peters, 28, with one count each of assault with a weapon and theft under $5,000. Investigators say both remain in custody as the case proceeds through the courts.

Retail theft and related violence have been an ongoing concern for businesses and workers across Vancouver, prompting police and city officials to call for stronger measures to protect frontline staff and address repeat offenders.