One charged in northwestern Ont. after 3 people allegedly bear maced in a home

Aerosol trigger of a can of bear spray in an outdoor setting. September 14, 2022. (Steven White/iStockPhoto)

A 33-year-old man was arrested Saturday for allegedly spraying bear mace at three individuals in northwestern Ontario.

Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) officers working out of the Mishkeegogamang First Nation detachment received a call for service on Oct. 5 regarding the apparent assault shortly after it had occurred.

Police said the incident occurred at a residence in the 100 block of James Road.

“Police arrived at the scene,” said NAPS in a news release.

“As a result of continued investigation, police learned an adult male suspect had forcefully entered the home and attacked three people with bear spray.”

Members of the police service identified and located the suspect walking along James Road.

“Officers initiated a high-risk arrest with assistance from members of the OPP (Ontario Provincial Police,)” said police.

“The suspect was taken into custody without incident.”

As a result of the incident, a 33-year-old local man has been charged with breaking and entering, three counts of assault with a weapon and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

The accused appeared in a bail hearing on Saturday and was remanded with a future appearance date.

None of the accusations has been proven in court.