Chief Constable Adam Palmer’s Statement
The VPD’s Major Crime Section is continuing to investigate last night’s pepper-spraying outside of the Muslim Association of Canada Centre.
Shortly after 10:30 p.m., a large crowd of refugees were gathered outside of the Muslim Association of Canada Centre located at 2122 Kingsway Avenue when an unknown man on a bicycle rode up and pepper-sprayed a group of men, women and children.
A number of people were treated for exposure to the pepper-spray by paramedics and the Vancouver Fire and Rescue Service.
Police are searching for the man on the bicycle, who is believed to have been wearing a white hooded sweatshirt.
A number of sections within the Vancouver Police Department are assisting with the investigation. Although the motive for the pepper-spraying is unknown at this time, investigators are treating it as a hate motivated crime, until determined otherwise.
No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.
