Police investigating bear spray attack in Kitchener

CTV’s Karis Mapp talks to local police about a growing trend of criminals misusing bear spray.

Waterloo Regional Police say bear mace was used during an altercation between two groups in Kitchener.

It happened Saturday in the Chandler Drive area.

“The suspect used the bear spray towards the victims and left prior to police arrival,” a media release said.

No one was seriously hurt.

Police told CTV News this incident marks the ninth report they’ve received this year involving the misuse of bear spray.

Police want to speak to any witnesses who may have seen the interaction, as well as any security or dash cam video of the incident.

Tips can be shared with investigators at 519-570-9777 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Waterloo Region at 1-800-222-8477 or www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.

The Guelph Police Service is also dealing with similar reports.

At the end of March, a 12-year-old was arrested and charged for using bear spray during two separate robberies.

“This substance found its way into the hands of someone who shouldn’t have been possessing it and clearly didn’t possess it for any legal purpose,” said Scott Tracey, the media relation coordinator for the Guelph Police Service.

Rules surrounding bear spray

In Ontario, you need to be at least 18-years-old to purchase bear spray, and buyers must confirm that it will only be used as an animal deterrent.

“It’s sold as a personal safety item for use in hiking and camping and so on,” Tracey explained.

“It is intended to be used against larger wildlife such as bears.”

The increasing concerns about the substance’s misuse comes as the provincial government pushes for pepper spray to be legalized for self-defence purposes.

“Pepper spray is much more potent that bear spray is. I think it can be up to five times more irritating by the concentration of the chemicals in it,” Tracey said.

CTV News’ public safety analyst and a former OPP commissioner, Chris Lewis, said he does not support the legalization of pepper spray.

“People that really intend on carrying it for self-protection still have to be trained, they can still spray themselves,” Lewis explained. “That still can get in the hands of the wrong people if not safely stored.”

Lewis said that even in an instance of self-defence, the spray could be lethal.

“It causes a sensation that you can’t breathe. If you sprayed someone who had some sort of respiratory issue or someone that’s elderly or not in good health, you could potentially kill them.”

Ultimately, the federal government has the final say on potential legalization.