Bear spray attacks in Hamilton: youth charged after targeted incidents at home and park

A youth was arrested after two targeted bear spray attacks in Hamilton on July 25, one at a residence and one at Burkholder Park. Multiple charges have been laid; other suspects remain at large.

Youth arrested after bear spray discharged at Hamilton home and park

Hamilton police have charged a young person in connection with two targeted bear spray incidents that occurred on July 25, cbc.ca reports.

The first incident took place at approximately 9 a.m., when a vehicle carrying several youths arrived at a residence on Hamilton Mountain. Two people at the address were sprayed with bear spray; one sustained minor injuries. According to Hamilton police, the suspects went to the house believing their intended targets would be there. The two people who were sprayed "just happened to be outside when the suspects pulled up," police said in an email to CBC Hamilton.

Later that afternoon, at around 4 p.m., officers responded to Burkholder Park, near Upper Wentworth Street and Mohawk Road E., following reports of a vehicle being driven through the park. Several young people were inside the vehicle. Investigators say the vehicle was driven toward the intended targets while bear spray was discharged from a window. One person inside the vehicle was also observed holding a large knife outside it.

Police believe the two incidents are connected and both were targeted in nature.

A video circulating online, which appears to show youths in a vehicle driving through the park and discharging bear spray, is connected to the investigation, police said in a Thursday news release.

Investigators identified the driver and made an arrest later the same day. The accused cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. The suspect faces several charges, including dangerous operation of a vehicle, assault with a weapon, uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, administering a noxious substance with intent to endanger life or cause bodily harm, disguise with intent, and two counts of failing to comply with probation.

The vehicle used in both incidents had been reported stolen. Police have since recovered it and are holding it for forensic examination.

The investigation remains ongoing. Investigators believe the additional suspects still at large are also youths. No suspect descriptions have been released.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Hamilton police or Crime Stoppers.

Source: Google News CA — Crime (EN)