Thunder Bay police have charged six young people aged 14 to 17 with assault following two bear spray attacks on June 29 that sent one person to hospital. The incidents occurred in separate locations in the city, according to a police statement.
Details of the Attacks
The first attack took place in the afternoon near a park, where a group of youths allegedly sprayed bear repellent at a 22-year-old man. The victim was treated at the scene for minor injuries. Hours later, a second incident occurred in a residential area, where another individual was sprayed and later taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Police responded to both calls and quickly identified the suspects. All six youths were arrested and charged with assault with a weapon and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. They were released on conditions and are scheduled to appear in youth court at a later date.
Bear Spray as a Weapon
Bear spray, a concentrated pepper spray designed for deterring bears, is legal in Canada but restricted for use against humans. Using it as a weapon carries serious legal consequences. Thunder Bay police have noted an increase in bear spray incidents in recent months, prompting public safety concerns.
“Bear spray is not a toy and using it against a person is a criminal act that can cause serious harm,” said Constable John Doe of the Thunder Bay Police Service. “We are treating these incidents with the utmost seriousness.”
Community Response
Local community leaders expressed alarm over the attacks, calling for more youth programs and intervention strategies. The incidents come amid a broader conversation about youth violence in the region. Thunder Bay has seen a rise in bear spray-related assaults, with police reporting 15 such incidents in the past year alone.
The police investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
