Workers at two grocery stores in Kamloops were assaulted by a shoplifting suspect on Friday night.

Kamloops RCMP responded to a report that an employee had been pepper sprayed at a commercial location in the 1200-block of Summit Drive around 9:50 p.m. on March 8, according to a press release from police. The employee had tried to stop someone from stealing a cart full of groceries when they were pepper sprayed.

Less than 30 minutes later police were called to the 900-block of Columbia Street.

A suspected shoplifter had been asked to leave a store and they responded with violence and what seemed to be bear spray.

“The attempted robberies occurred in close proximity and are believed to be connected based on the investigations so far,” Cpl. Crystal Evelyn said in the release. “In both cases, employees were assaulted with a weapon and merchandise was recovered, but ruined. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured.”

RCMP describe the suspect as a Caucasian male who is 5’5” tall. He was wearing brown glasses, grey pants, a black jacket and brown boots.

Anyone who witnessed the assaults, has video or dash camera footage or information, is asked to call Kamloops RCMP at 250-828-3000 and reference files 2025-6530 or 2025-6535.