A 45-year-old man is facing charges after allegedly disrupting a cricket game at Connaught Park in Vancouver's Kitsilano neighbourhood on Saturday evening, assaulting players and using bear spray, according to Vancouver police. One player suffered a broken arm during the incident.
Suspect Disrupts Cricket Game
Police were called to Connaught Park at approximately 6 p.m. on June 22 after reports of a man interfering with a cricket match. VPD Const. Darren Wong stated in a news release Monday that the suspect walked across the pitch and repeatedly interrupted play. When players and spectators asked him to leave, he allegedly became aggressive, shouting and swearing.
Attack and Bear Spray Used
The suspect then allegedly punched a 37-year-old player and sprayed bear spray at five others before fleeing. As players pursued him, he reportedly turned around several times and continued to spray them. The same player was punched again and tackled to the ground, breaking his arm in the fall.
Witnesses called police, and the suspect was arrested at the scene. He has been released with a promise to appear in court at a later date. The investigation remains ongoing.
Victim Hospitalized
The injured player was treated at a hospital and later released. Police have not released the suspect's name, and charges are pending further investigation.
