Suspect remains at large
Two employees of a Walmart in Sylvan Lake, Alberta, were assaulted with bear spray during an attempted robbery on Oct. 21, according to a report.
The incident left an 81-year-old greeter and a 56-year-old customer service employee injured, according to The Settler Independent’s article.
The attack occurred around 8 p.m., when a woman attempted to exit the store with stolen goods in a shopping cart. The suspect sprayed the customer service employee first. And when the greeter intervened, he was sprayed directly in the eyes, narrated Alberta RCMP Cpl. Troy Savinkoff, according to the report.
The injuries sustained by the greeter, identified only as John, include burns to his corneas and significant bruising from a fall caused by the suspect. Krista Brilz, who launched a GoFundMe campaign to support the victims, detailed the extent of his injuries.
“The woman pushed her cart into him and he fell backwards on his side. The doctors were shocked he did not break his hip,” Brilz told The Settler Independent.
Brilz also emphasized the emotional toll the incident has taken on John, who is grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder while caring for his wife, who is undergoing cancer treatment.
“He would put himself in harm’s way to protect people in our community. Now it’s our time to rally for him and really come together,” she said.
The suspect, who also reportedly threatened employees at a nearby Dollarama the same evening, remains at large. She is described as having short black hair, a medium complexion, and tattoos on her neck. She was wearing a grey and black hoodie, black sweatpants and shoes, pink and black necklaces, a white toque with a large white pompom, and a blue lanyard.
RCMP continue to investigate, and anyone with information is urged to contact Sylvan Lake RCMP or Crime Stoppers.
The GoFundMe campaign aims to raise $15,000. The funds will assist John and his wife with travel and accommodation expenses related to medical appointments, as well as cover daily living costs. A portion of the funds will also support Barb, the customer service employee, while she recovers and remains off work.
