BARRHEAD – Two youth have been charged in connection with an assault involving bear spray and a BB gun that occurred in downtown Barrhead Aug. 2.
According to a Barrhead RCMP release, a 47-year-old man had been seated on a bench using a business’ wi-fi at approximately 1 a.m.
Three individuals approached him on foot and an altercation ensued, which led to the victim being bear-sprayed by one suspect and shot in the hand by a second using a BB gun. The suspects then fled the scene.
In the following days, police obtained surveillance video from several businesses in the area and had tentatively identified the suspects as three youth aged 14, 15 and 16. A further tip from the public supported that information.
Two were arrested Aug. 9 and charged with a number of offences, while the release notes that the third had stayed out of the altercation and will not be charged.
The two have since been released from custody on numerous conditions and are scheduled to make their first appearance in Barrhead Court of Justice Sept. 26.
“Police would like to thank the many downtown businesses and individuals who assisted in the investigation,” stated Barrhead RCMP Sgt. Bob Dodds.
Truck theft
A reminder to Barrhead residents: it can be very costly to leave your vehicle with the keys in the ignition, as thieves may be lying in wait.
According to the same release, at just after 9 a.m., Aug. 10, a County of Barrhead resident parked outside a gas station and ran inside to get a cup of coffee. His truck was left running with the keys inside.
When the man exited the gas station, his truck was gone. Police are now looking for a black 2000 GMC bearing Alberta licence plate BPY3409.
“Criminals who need a ride will wait outside convenience stores, banks or other businesses knowing that sooner or later, someone will leave their vehicle running while they run (inside),” Dodds noted.
