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Two youths sought, one arrested after bear spray attack near Hamilton Mountain high school
Hamilton police have charged one teenage boy after an assault involving bear spray near a Mountain area high school.
Officers responded to a call of an assault around 1 p.m. on March 2, at Nora Frances Henderson Secondary School at 1770 Upper Sherman Ave.
Investigators said a confrontation between several youths began inside the school and continued outside near the basketball courts. During the altercation, one youth discharged a canister of suspected bear spray, striking another youth in the face.
The victim fled to a nearby home where they were able to rinse their eyes and recover from the effects of the spray. No serious physical injuries were reported.
With information gathered from witnesses, the school and the community, investigators were able to identify a suspect.
On March 8, a 17-year-old Hamilton boy was arrested and faces the following charges:
• Assault with a Weapon;
• Administer Noxious Thing;
• Disguise with Intent;
• Possession of a Prohibited Weapon;
• Fail to Comply with Undertaking.
The accused was held for a bail hearing.
Provisions in the Youth Criminal Justice Act prevent the identity of the accused to be released.
Two additional youths believed to have been involved in the incident have not yet been identified. The investigation remains ongoing.
Law enforcement said this incident is part of an ongoing concern about youth conflicts where bear spray is being used as a weapon.
Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to contact Hamilton police at 905-546-4925.
Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.
