Richmond RCMP say they received multiple calls on Sunday afternoon (March 16) from Richmond Centre about a “noxious substance” in the food court.
Two men had approached a youth and had tried to steal his sunglasses, according to RCMP.
The youth told police, when he resisted, he was sprayed with the noxious substance and his sunglasses were taken.
The suspects then fled on foot.
Video surveillance showed the suspects leaving the Canada Line Brighouse station at 4:06 p.m., loitering in the mall until 4:40 p.m. at which time they followed the victim up an escalator and allegedly robbed him.
The suspects are described as Black men, believed to be in their late teens, dressed all in black and wearing black medical masks.
One suspect had dreadlocks and the second was described as wearing a toque and vest.
Two Richmond Fire-Rescue crews were dispatched to Richmond Centre on the basis of possible multiple patients, according to the city.
On arrival, one crew went to the food court to treat a person reportedly suffering from exposure to a noxious substance, which was determined to be pepper spray, explained city spokesperson Clay Adams.
The person received medical help from the fire department and was released as no hospital visit was needed.
Some other food court patrons also received medical help from fire crews, but “none were considered serious enough” to need medical treatment or to go to the hospital, he told the Richmond News.
Richmond Fire-Rescue let BCEHS know “their presence was not required and that they could divert their time/resources to other calls,” Adams added.
Anyone who may have witnessed, or have information regarding this file, is asked to call Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212 and quote file number 2025-8301.
Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crimestoppers by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit them online.
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