A quiet afternoon in Kingston's west end turned violent this week when a resident was assaulted with bear spray in what police are calling a disturbing attack.
The incident occurred around 4:30 PM on Tuesday near the intersection of Front Road and Johnson Street, an area typically known for its peaceful residential character. According to Kingston Police, the victim was approached by an unknown individual who deployed the bear spray before fleeing the scene.
Community Safety Concerns
Local residents expressed alarm at the brazen nature of the attack, which took place in broad daylight near residential properties. "This kind of violence in our neighborhood is completely unacceptable," said one area resident who wished to remain anonymous. "We've always felt safe walking around here."
Emergency services responded quickly to the scene, providing immediate medical attention to the victim. While bear spray exposure is rarely life-threatening, it can cause significant pain, temporary blindness, and breathing difficulties.
Police Investigation Underway
Kingston Police have launched a full investigation into the assault but have released limited information about potential suspects. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
"We're following all available leads and reviewing area surveillance footage," stated a police representative. "We're asking local residents and business owners to check their security cameras for any suspicious activity around the time of the incident."
This attack marks another concerning incident involving bear spray in Ontario communities, raising questions about accessibility and regulation of the self-defense product.
