Man opens door, hit with bear spray

Nanaimo RCMP are investigating after a 26-year-old man said he was hit in the face with bear spray when he responded to a knock on his door on Fourth Street about 7 p.m. Sunday.

The victim said he did not recognize the man who sprayed him. He told police the man said “Hi” before releasing the substance.

He slammed the door and rushed to the kitchen to try to flush the spray from his eyes. Ambulance paramedics were helping him by the time police arrived.

The victim’s roommate said the suspect was spotted walking toward the house just before the incident.

He could be linked to a small, black, two-door car with black rims that left quickly after the spraying, and was last seen turning into an alley between Hillcrest and Lambert avenues.

The suspect is described as fivefoot-10 with a slim build and short brown hair. He was wearing a grey shirt.

Nanaimo RCMP Const. Gary O’Brien said the suspect could have been affected by the bear spray, and might have had symptoms like a runny nose, red face and shortness of breath, as well as red/orange residue on his clothes.

He said the black bear-spray can may have been discarded nearby and should not he handled. Instead, the Nanaimo RCMP detachment should be contacted at 250-754-2345.

Police can also be contacted with any other information, along with Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be relayed at nanaimocrimestoppers.com or texted to 274637 using the key word “Nanaimo.”