Suspects allegedly use pepper spray to rob Maple Ridge pawnbroker

Police say they're looking for one of two suspects who used pepper spray to rob a family-owned pawn shop in Maple Ridge, B.C., Wednesday afternoon. 

Derek Thon said he was at the back of his store, Common Exchange Pawnbrokers, when he heard the suspects come in.

"I just heard smash, smash, smash," Thon said. "He was having a heyday trying to smash that cabinet open."

Thon said the thieves smashed some of the display cases with a billy bat and took gold chains, rings and bracelets. 

He said ran after one of the suspects and caught one of them outside of the store. 

"It was a natural thing to do when someone's trying to rob the family business," he said. 

Sgt. Dan Splinter with Ridge Meadows RCMP said one person was in custody and another suspect was still at large.

"We are aware of a vehicle description with some persons inside that we're still looking for," he said.

He said the worst injury for the owners appeared to be from the large amount of pepper spray used by the suspects.