Fighters bear sprayed

Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

Bear spray was used by two separate individuals, during a pair of fights Tuesday night in Penticton.

According to Sgt. Rick Dellebuur, in one incident, two individuals were fighting each other on Lakeshore Drive near the Peach, when another individual ran up and sprayed them with bear spray. The person, who was drunk, was located and arrested, and the RCMP is looking at charges.

The other fight was in front of Starbucks on Main Street. It was a consensual fight between two guys, when an acquaintance stepped in and bear sprayed one of the fighters, as well as an innocent bystander.

No one was very cooperative in that incident, and the police are still investigating.

Dellebuur said it was strange bear spray was used in both fights.

"We understand when they have bear spray in the woods," he said. "It is more of a concern when they use it at a fireworks show or walking downtown. I can't remember a time when there was a bear at the beach or on Main Street."