Two 16-year-olds face charges of theft and assault with a weapon after a dramatic arrest at Burnaby's Market Crossing shopping centre Wednesday evening.
Police were called to the area just after 6 p.m. for reports of a theft in progress at one of the stores, according to Burnaby RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Mike Kalanj.
A loss prevention officer and "a couple employees" had followed a 16-year-old male youth out of the store after the boy allegedly stole more than $100 of merchandise, Kalanj told the NOW.
A fight ensued, he said, during which a 16-year-old female youth, a friend of the boy, allegedly joined the melee and began assaulting the employees.
"While that happened, the boy was able to get his bear spray out and sprayed out, which affected everyone, obviously, negatively," Kalanj said.
Both youths were taken into custody.
The girl now faces charges of assault, while the boy faces charges of theft, assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and breaching a previous court order banning him from having bear spray.
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