Penticton man charged in bear spray assault during vehicle break in

Photo: Castanet Staff

A Penticton man well known for mischief on the streets has been charged in a bear spray incident.

Charges have been approved after the man, Levi Jo Kamps, allegedly bear sprayed another person when caught rummaging through a car.

Sunday evening, Penticton RCMP responded to a residence near Duncan Avenue East for a report of an assault in progress and theft from a vehicle.

Police say the victim confronted the suspect after catching him rummaging through a neighbour’s car.

A struggle ensued, the victim was bear sprayed, and the suspect fled.

“Frontline officers responded with a large presence and quickly located the suspect,” says Const. Dayne Lyons. “The suspect was caught in possession of bear spray, and items believed to be stolen from the vehicle.”

The BC Prosecution Service has approved charges of assault, theft, and possession of stolen property against Kamps.

Kamps was held in custody pending a future court date.