Blasted with bear spray

Photo: Contributed

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP were called to a robbery Saturday, after a man stopped to help another man whose vehicle was in the ditch.

Police say it happened around 6:00 p.m. on the 4050 block of Highway 6 in Lumby.

As the victim stopped to help, he was allegedly greeted with bear spray before the suspect escaped in the victim's silver Dodge pickup truck.

Police arrived on scene to find a 35-year-old clearly suffering after the assault.

"It is unfortunate that a simple act of kindness is turned into a violent act for this particular victim who stopped to check on a fellow motorist," said Const. Kelly Brett. "Although this incident may not have been targeted, this is not a common occurrence here in the North Okanagan."

"The victim of this random act suffered minor injuries and was treated by BC Ambulance Service."

The victim told police the suspect was one man standing near a broken down yellow cube van.

Witnesses say another vehicle and suspect could have been involved in the incident.

The Dodge pickup was later found near Highway 6 and School Road, in Lavington.

Police continue to investigate the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Lumby RCMP at 250-547-9044 or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or leaving a tip online.

If information is provided that leads to an arrest, you could be eligible for a cash reward.