Bear spray-wielding teen charged with multiple robberies: police

Police are investigating multiple bear spray attacks that occurred over the past few months, believing a 16-year-old boy to be responsible for the alleged assaults.

A Tuesday release from the Calgary Police Service states that a teenage boy has been taken into custody and charged with carrying a concealed weapon, robbery, and assault with a weapon related to the incidents.

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The first use of bear spray allegedly occurred on Friday, May 24, after an argument broke out on a bus travelling through Pembrooke Meadows. It is believed that the suspect sprayed the victim and fled, leaving around 10 other passengers affected by the bear spray.

“Bear spray, if carried for the intention of protection against a bear attack, is legal,” states the release.

“However, when used on another person, someone can be charged with an assault-related offence. Pepper spray is a prohibited weapon under the Criminal Code of Canada.”

Friday, May 31 found a similar assault on a man attempting to sell two suspects an item of clothing. After being threatened and handing the item over, the release states, the suspects still bear sprayed the man before fleeing.

According to the release, two more incidents of the same nature took place on Saturday, June 1, in the communities of Applewood Park and Abbeydale.

The youth was arrested on Tuesday, July 2, and further charges are expected as the investigation continues.