Suspect charged after wallet stolen, victim pepper-sprayed

Richmond RCMP say a suspect has been charged for breaking into a car, stealing a wallet and later pepper spraying the victim.

Around 2:14 p.m. on May 2, a man was spotted smashing the window of a car and snatching a wallet inside. When confronted by the wallet’s owner, the man fled as the owner followed closely on foot and a friend called 911.

The pair followed the man for some time until he slowed down. The man then pepper sprayed the owner and fled again, with the victim continuing pursuit. Eventually, the man lost the victim.

Police, who had flooded the area, arrested a man a short time later with the help of a police dog. Police seized a wallet and a can of bear spray.

Coleton Szalay is charged with assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and theft under $5,000.

“We understand that the victim wanted to retrieve his wallet, but trying to approach a suspect can be dangerous,” said RCMP Cpl. Adriana Peralta. “In this case the male was allegedly armed with pepper spray. Fortunately, the victim wasn’t injured, but we want to remind the public that if they witness a crime to keep a safe distance, provide updates of the individual’s whereabouts to police and let the police be the ones to make an approach.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have information about the case, is asked to contact the Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212 and cite File No. 2020-12015.