Police seize bear spray, airsoft gun in road-rage incidents in Richmond, B.C.

Aerosol trigger of a can of bear spray in an outdoor setting. September 14, 2022. (Steven White/iStockPhoto)

Mounties in Richmond, B.C., seized a cannister of bear spray and an airsoft gun following a series of reported road rage incidents on Monday morning.

A statement from the local RCMP detachment says officers responded to four road-rage complaints during the morning rush hour, including two “particularly alarming” incidents involving weapons.

The first such incident was reported just before 8 a.m., when a man told police he was cut off by the driver in a red Nissan Pathfinder, who he “confronted at the next intersection, asking him to fight,” according to the RCMP statement.

The driver of the Pathfinder got out of the vehicle holding a cannister of bear spray, at which point the other driver returned to his vehicle and called police, the statement said.

Mounties located the Pathfinder driver, who admitted to wielding the bear spray during the altercation, telling police he did so “because of the challenge to fight,” police said.

“The driver was remorseful and admitted this was a poor judgement on his behalf,” the RCMP said. “The bear spray was seized by police and both drivers were provided verbal warnings regarding their behaviour.”

Approximately an hour later, the Richmond RCMP were called about a silver Toyota RAV4 speeding and driving recklessly while brandishing what looked like a gun, according to police.

The driver was located and “admitted to holding up an airsoft gun during this incident,” the statement said. “Richmond RCMP seized the weapon and the investigation remains ongoing.”

The detachment did not elaborate on the circumstances of the other two reported road-rage incidents.

Cpl. Adriana O’Malley says the Richmond RCMP saw a marked increase in traffic with the end of spring break on Monday, “but it is unusual for us to receive this many reported incidents of road rage in a single rush hour.”

O’Malley said the increase in traffic, coupled with road construction on major commuter routes through the city is likely contributing to drivers’ frustrations.

However, “aggressive, threatening behaviour has no place on our roadways,” she added. “These incidents will be fully investigated and, where applicable, criminal charges will be pursued.”

Police are urging drivers to report reckless drivers but avoid confronting them directly, either verbally or physically. Drivers are also advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for daily commutes through construction areas.