Two Nanaimo Mounties narrowly avoided being bear sprayed while chasing a suspect in Harewood Thursday.

The pursuit ensued at about 3 a.m. after police responded to a call about two men trying to break into a car parked on the 400 block of Deering Street.

Officers spotted two suspects who matched a description given by a witness and detained both men while they gathered evidence and information, which lead to both suspects being arrested for theft.

One of the suspects fled from the police. When the officers took up the chase, the suspect stopped suddenly, turned around and discharged bear spray. Both officers managed to dodge the spray and continued the pursuit until they got their man.

Police have recommended charges of theft, assaulting a police officer, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public, failing to comply with an intensive support and supervision order previously ordered by the courts, escaping lawful custody and obstruction of a police officer against Dallas Jocko, 19, of Nanaimo.

Jocko has been held in custody and makes his next appearance in Nanaimo provincial court July 23.

Chris Harwood-Jones, 34, is facing charges of theft under $5,000 and possession of break-and-enter instruments. He makes his next appearance July 30.