Police seek witnesses after youth allegedly sprayed with ‘noxious substance’ in Richmond mall

An RCMP vehicle is seen in Richmond, B.C., in this undated image. (Shutterstock)

Police are searching for suspects wanted in connection to an alleged robbery that involved the use of a “noxious substance” as a weapon in Richmond, Sunday.

Mounties were called to a mall in the 6500 block of No 3 Road shortly before 5 p.m. following multiple reports of a noxious substance being sprayed in its food court, Richmond RCMP said in a statement Tuesday.

According to the statement, police arrived to find a youth who said two men had approached him and attempted to steal his sunglasses. When he resisted, he was sprayed with the substance and the sunglasses were taken, he told police.

Medical assistance was provided to the youth at the scene.

After viewing video surveillance, police determined the suspects had arrived at the mall after exiting the Brighouse SkyTrain Station at 4:06 p.m. The suspects, described by police as two Black men in their late teens, stayed in the mall until 4:40 p.m. before they followed the victim up an escalator and carried out the alleged robbery.

Police say the suspects were dressed all in black and were wearing black medical masks. One suspect had dreadlocks, while the other was wearing a toque and vest.

Anyone who may have witnessed the event or who has relevant information is asked to call Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212 and quote file number 2025-8301. Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact Crimestoppers by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit them online at www.solvecrime.ca.