Skip to content
Join our Newsletter

RCMP search for suspects in bear spraying

The Whistler RCMP are looking for assistance identifying three suspects that assaulted three tourists with bear spray in the early hours of Aug. 16. According to RCMP three people were on the bridge by Rebagliati Park at roughly 1:30 a.m.

The Whistler RCMP are looking for assistance identifying three suspects that assaulted three tourists with bear spray in the early hours of Aug. 16.

According to RCMP three people were on the bridge by Rebagliati Park at roughly 1:30 a.m. when they were accosted by three males wearing hoodies. One of the males attacked them with bear spray.

"Fortunately there was someone nearby to assist because they were blind and disoriented," said Sergeant Steve Wright. "They were able to bring them to the police station where we were able to decontaminate them, and have them checked over by the B.C. Ambulance Service."

All three victims were released with no serious injuries, but Sgt. Wright says that it's no laughing matter.

"It's considered assault with a weapon," he said. "If you're caught carrying bear spray then it's possession of a prohibited weapon."

People in the backcountry are allowed to carry bear spray as a deterrent, but once the spray is taken into an urban setting it's considered a weapon.

The RCMP would like to hear from anyone who might have witnessed the incident, or has knowledge of the three suspects. You can contact the Whistler RCMP at 604-932-3044.

RCMP derail $10,000 bike theft

A plainclothes RCMP officer responded to a report of a person acting suspiciously in the village on the afternoon of Aug. 14, and observed the described suspect steal a bicycle from the base of the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. With other officers watching they apprehended the thief, who is described as a 29-year-old male from Nelson. The Crown has yet to file charges and the person cannot be identified, although the RCMP have already charged him with one count of theft over $5,000. The bike in question was reportedly valued at $10,000.

"It's good that the public called us to report suspicious activity, and gave us a good description that allowed us to locate him and observe him stealing the bike," said Sergeant Steve Wright of the Whistler RCMP.

According to Sgt. Wright the owner of the bike had forgotten his lock at home, and had left the bike in plain view in Skier's Plaza. The RCMP remind everyone to lock their bikes securely, and not to leave their bikes unattended.

RCMP busy for Crankworx but no major incidents

The Whistler RCMP received 104 calls for service this past weekend, far more than the 60 calls that police will receive on an average weekend. Alcohol was a factor in nearly all of the calls, and officers were busy from early in the evening until long after the bars closed.

There was one incident witnessed by RCMP where a young male grabbed a female inappropriately in the village at approximately 1 a.m. on Aug. 16. The male, a 19 year old from Whistler, resisted arrest, and assaulted two officers who received minor injuries. As a result the person is being charged with two counts of assaulting a police officer as well as charges related to the original offence.

The suspect will not be identified until Crown approves the charges.

Vehicle thefts continue

Vehicle theft is continuing to be an issue for Whistler as it has since January, with almost weekly reports, and occasional lulls and sprees where more than one vehicle is stolen. This week a 1997 Dodge Dakota pickup truck was stolen from Industrial Way in Pemberton on Aug. 15, but was recovered later when RCMP spotted the vehicle and arrested two young offenders from Mt. Currie.

Older model Dodge brand vehicles have been targetted disproportionately to other makes, with a focus on pickup trucks like Dakotas.

Adam Grossman, senior media relations advisor for ICBC, says that older model Dodge vehicles have been on the list of most stolen vehicles in B.C. for several years.

"Dodge vehicles are quite high up on our list, especially older model vehicles... that are not equipped with immobilizers," he said. "Most of the vehicles on our list are older model cars and trucks. Now, every vehicle in B.C. is sold with an immobilizer, and if you're driving an older model vehicle the biggest tip is to get an immobilizer. You can buy one for $150, which is not cheap but in the scheme of things when you look at what your vehicle is worth it's a good investment.

"Another good investment is to get a steering club for your wheel, which is a good visual deterrent as well as an inexpensive way to prevent your vehicle from being stolen."

Grossman recommends using both an immobilizer and club, as well as to take other precautions, such as parking in visible, well-lit areas and removing valuables from your vehicle.

The RCMP also reported four vehicle break-ins last week, three occurring in secured lots. The first was in the public lot under the Holiday Inn, the second at Stony Creek, the third at a complex on Painted Cliff, and the fourth on Ptarmigan Place. The total value due to damages and loss is estimated to be in the range of $14,000, or more than $3,000 per vehicle. The RCMP remind people not to leave valuables in their vehicles.

RCMP seeking information in Pemberton assault

The RCMP are seeking help from the public after a dirt bike rider was assaulted on the In-SHUCK-ch Forest Service Road on Aug. 16.

According to RCMP the dirt bike rider passed by a vehicle on the side of the road at the three kilometre mark, then continued up the road. While stopping to refuel the vehicle stopped beside the biker and started to abuse him verbally. He then got out of the vehicle and assaulted the victim, causing major injuries.

The suspect is described as a large tanned male, driving a black, '90s model Toyota Forerunner with a canopy. The vehicle has 37-inch mud tires, and an eight to 10 inch lift kit.