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Nanaimo man bear sprayed by stranger

NANAIMO – Police are calling the incident a random attack.

Nanaimo RCMP are investigating after a man was bear sprayed in the face on the weekend.

According to police, the incident happened Sunday evening at a home on the 600 block of Fourth Street when the victim, 26, heard a knock and opened his door to discover a man holding a can of bear spray, which was immediately sprayed into the victim's eyes.

The victim slammed the door and ran to his kitchen to try and flush the spray from his eyes.

The victim told investigators he didn't recognize his assailant, who only said, "Hi," before spraying him.

The victim's roommate told police the suspect, described as white, 5-foot-10 with a slim build, short brown hair and wearing a grey shirt, was seen walking toward the house prior to the attack and might be associated to a small two-door, black car with black wheel rims that left abruptly after the attack and was seen turning into an alley between Hillcrest and Lambert avenues.

"The suspect may have also been contaminated from the bear spray and could have been exhibiting signs of contamination, such as runny nose and eyes, red flushed face and shortness of breath," said Const. Gary O'Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman, in a press release. "He may also have had some red/orange residue on his clothing and hands."

The can of bear spray might also have been discarded nearby. If found, people are told not to handle it and call the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345.

Anyone with information about the incident or the suspect, please call Nanaimo RCMP or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, text 274637 with keyword 'Nanaimo,' or online at www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com.