Teen arrested after shooting in Nanaimo, B.C.: RCMP

Lights on a police cruiser are pictured in this file photo.

A teenager has been arrested and charged with several offences after a fight outside a Nanaimo mall that ended with gunfire and bear spray last week, according to police.

The Nanaimo RCMP initially said it was investigating a confrontation involving a group of youth outside Woodgrove Centre that unfolded around 3:30 p.m. Feb. 11.

“The situation quickly escalated when one youth allegedly dispersed bear spray and another suspect produced a firearm,” Mounties wrote in a statement Thursday. “Several individuals were exposed to the bear spray, and one youth was injured from the firearm discharge.”

The 15-year-old shooting victim was treated in hospital and has since been released and he is expected to fully recover, according to police.

In an update Monday, police said the Victoria Police Department and Emergency Response Team had arrested a 17-year-old suspect “without incident” on Feb. 13.

The teenager has since been formally charged with discharging a firearm with intent, aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, possessing a firearm without a license, and possessing a firearm while being prohibited.

Police say they have not found the firearm alleged to have been used in the incident.

The teenager remains in custody and the investigation is ongoing.