A 15 year-old female is facing a charge of Assault with a Weapon after a bear spray incident at an event last night (Wednesday).
At approximately 9:20 p.m. on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, several police units were dispatched to a community centre in the 1000 block of Angus Street for a report that someone had discharged bear spray in the lobby of the building, affecting many people, including children and Elders. The building was the site of a memorial Round Dance that evening, so there were many people in attendance for this community gathering. Officers found dozens of people outside the building, coughing, gagging and crying because of exposure to bear spray. EMS arrived at the location to treat victims. Officers were able to view building security video, which showed what appeared to be an altercation between several people, with one individual discharging a bear spray into a crowd and then leaving. Through witness interviews and other investigation, police determined the identity and location of a suspect. She was arrested, without incident and subsequently charged.
The 15 year-old cannot be named in accordance with the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act. She is facing a charge of Assault with a Weapon, s. 267(a) CC, as well as a breach of conditions. The accused made an appearance on these charges in Youth Court at 2:00 p.m. (today), Thursday, January 12, 2023.