A man is in custody after deploying bear spray in three incidents, including while police attempted to arrest him on Thursday. 

Jonathan Laberge-Labrecque, 42, allegedly stole a can of bear spray from a car in the Kits Point neighbourhood on Ogden Avenue near Cypress Street. 

When Laberge-Labrecque was confronted by the car’s owner, he allegedly deployed the bear spray before walking away. 

A second victim was sprayed about 10 minutes later after confronting Laberge-Labrecque when he approached their work vehicle. In this instance, he also allegedly grabbed and threw the victim’s cellphone.

Soon after, Laberge-Labrecque allegedly approached a woman and pointed the bear spray at her, demanding a ride or her car. 

The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) arrived in the area and found the suspect, but he allegedly deployed bear spray at the officers and refused to comply with their directions.

The officers were eventually able to take Laberge-Labrecque into custody.

Laberge-Labrecque has been charged with:

• One count of theft under $5,000
• One count of robbery
• Two counts of assault with a weapon
• Three counts of assault with a weapon of a peace officer

He remains in custody pending a bail hearing.