man attacked trying to stop alleged thieves

Police in Maple Ridge are investigating after a man was bear-sprayed chasing suspects away after an alleged catalytic converter theft.

The Ridge Meadows RCMP says it received a report that a resident of a home near 210 Street and Dewdney Trunk Road had been sprayed around 7:30 a.m.

Police say a resident heard a noise outside his neighbour’s home and went outside to investigate. The resident alleges he saw a man emerging from underneath his neighbour’s parked RV with a catalytic converter.

“The male intervened and as a result was sprayed,” Mounties said.

In a CCTV video posted to social media, three suspects can be seen surrounding an RV, two of whom venture underneath. The two later emerge, one holding a big metal item, when a resident runs from the house next door and delivers a kick to the man holding the item. A fight ensues, and the resident is sprayed by one of the three men.

The incident is now under investigation.

If you have information that can help identify the suspects, you’re asked to call the Ridge Meadows RCMP at 604-463-6251 and refer to file RM2025-6394.