Teens charged after bear spray attack on east Hamilton Mountain

Two teens have been arrested in connection with a violent bear spray attack that happened on east Hamilton Mountain last Wednesday.

Police say on Jan. 21, around officers were dispatched to a residence on East 14th Street for a reported disturbance.  When they arrived, officers found a 15-year-old boy suffering from bear spray exposure and a man who had been threatened with a knife.

Officers say the teen victim had arrived in the area by rideshare to meet a friend. When exiting the vehicle, he was confronted by a group of teenage boys who were brandishing knives and bear spray. The victim was sprayed and fled on foot, with the group pursuing him.

The victim sought refuge by entering a nearby vehicle belonging to an unsuspecting resident who was clearing snow at the time. The suspects gained access to the vehicle and continued to spray the victim inside. When the vehicle owner intervened, he was threatened at knifepoint.

Despite the threat, he stood his ground while his wife and infant were nearby. The suspects eventually fled the area. The youth victim was transported to a hospital by ambulance.

Investigators have identified and arrested two male youths involved in the incident.

A 15-year-old and a 17-year-old, both from Hamilton, have been charged with multiple offences, including:

• Uttering Threats to Cause Death
• Administering a Noxious Substance
• Assault with a Weapon

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the on-duty Division 30 Staff Sgt. at 905-546-3886. Those wishing to remain anonymous may contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit information online here.

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