A large police presence in the Brentwood area Wednesday evening was sparked by an argument between a group of teens and staff and other customers at a fast-food restaurant, according to Burnaby RCMP.
Just after 6 p.m., police got reports of an argument between the teens, all boys, and others at a restaurant by Willingdon Avenue and Buchanan Street, Burnaby RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Mike Kalanj told the NOW.
He didn’t name the restaurant involved, but the only fast food restaurant by the intersection is a Subway.
“Bear spray was reportedly brandished by one of the youth during the argument,” Kalanj said in an email.
While most of the boys stayed at the scene when police arrived, one suspect fled the area, according to Kalanj.
The heavy police presence in Brentwood stemmed from efforts to contain the area and locate the suspect, he said
The boy was arrested nearby and sustained minor injuries, believed to be scratches, from a police dog, Kalanj said.
He said the injuries were not deemed serious enough to call in the Independent Investigations Office, which investigates police-involved incidents that result in death or serious harm.
Six boys between the ages of 13 and 17 were taken into custody and released to their guardians the same night, according to Kalanj.
Charges of uttering threats, possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose and obstruction are being considered, he said.
One officer sustained a wrist and arm injury during the incident and was taken to hospital, but Kalanj said the injury wasn’t a result of any altercation with the suspects.
“He was running and he fell,” Kalanj said.
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