Aaron Stone Smart, 23, appeared in Quesnel Provincial Court Aug. 28 on charges stemming from last Friday Aug. 24’s Walmart robbery. Smart stole a television from the South Quesnel store, and bear sprayed two off-duty RCMP officers who attempted to apprehend him.
Smart had his bail hearing yesterday and has been scheduled to appear again Sept. 11 to consult counsel. He currently remains in custody, according to B.C. Court Services Online.
Smart is charged with assault of a peace officer with a weapon, and robbery.
On Aug. 24, two off-duty officers were shopping at Walmart when they heard an employee yelling at a man who had stolen a television and then threatened staff with bear spray.
Both officers chased the suspect through the parking lot towards Highway 97.
One officer caught up to the suspect and identified himself as a police officer in an attempt to arrest him.
The suspect pulled out a canister of bear spray and sprayed the first officer directly in the face at close range.
The second officer was also hit with the spray.
Police set up containment in the area and called for the Police Dog Service to attend from Prince George. Unfortunately, the suspect fled on foot from the scene and was not captured.
On Aug. 25, however, Smart was arrested after investigation by the RCMP. He was also arrested on outstanding warrants.
READ MORE: Robbery suspect arrested after spraying off-duty RCMP officers with bear spray
editor@quesnelobserver.com
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