Man charged in Niagara Falls hotel parking lot assault

Niagara police say a man has been charged after allegedly assaulting a woman at a hotel parking lot Monday afternoon in Niagara Falls.

Officers say the incident took place at around 5:40 p.m. on Fallsview Boulevard.

Investigators say a 52-year-old woman visiting from out of the country had her purse stolen.  

Detectives say when she and her 68-year-old brother tried to get the purse back from the suspect, the suspect used bear spray on the two.  

Police say a 42-year-old male witness tried to assist and was also hit with bear spray.

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Officers were on scene immediately after the bear spray was used and arrested the suspect on scene.  

Investigators say 40-year-old Shirzad Fakhri of St. Catharines has been charged with robbery and two counts of assault with a weapon.  

Detectives say Fakhri  is being held for a bail hearing Tuesday morning.

Police say the victims were treated for minor injuries on scene.

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