Six people were randomly assaulted by bear spray in Osborne Village on Wednesday morning.
Just before 7:30 a.m., a 20-year-old female bear sprayed the driver of a vehicle through the window when it was stopped at the intersection of Stradbrook Avenue and Donald Street.
Shortly after, the suspect approached another female who was riding her bicycle near Donald Street and Bell Avenue and assaulted with bear spray.
While waiting for a bus near River Avenue and Donald Street, another victim was approached by the suspect and assaulted with bear spray.
A fourth victim was walking to her bus stop at River Avenue and Donald Street and passed the suspect sitting on the ground. The suspect then assaulted her with bear spray.
While walking near River Avenue and Mayfair Place, two women saw the suspect chasing someone. The suspect saw the two women and stopped and assaulted with bear spray. The person who was being chased has not been identified and it is unknown if they were sprayed too.
The suspect was arrested in the 200 block of River Avenue.
A 20-year-old female has been charged with the following offences:
- Assault with a Weapon x 6
- Possession of a Weapon
- Mischief Under $5,000
She was detained in custody.
This investigation is ongoing. Police believe that there may be additional people who were affected but have not yet been identified. Anyone wishing to speak to an investigator is encouraged to contact West District 204-986-2842.
Not long later, at approximately 8 a.m., two bystanders were sprayed with bear spray near Bannatyne Avenue and Rosie Street.
The victims saw a woman who appeared to be in distress. When the suspect saw them, she became angry and upset and they were assaulted with bear spray.
Both victims suffered exposure injuries but did not require medical attention.
The suspect was arrested shortly later in the 500 block of Main Street.
A 16-year-old girl has been charged with assault with a weapon x 2, possession of a weapon, and fail to comply with a sentence order, and held in custody.