Man arrested after allegedly pepper spraying person unprovoked: Toronto police

A Toronto Police Service logo in Ottawa, on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby

Police have arrested a man who allegedly pepper sprayed a person in the face on Valentine’s Day in downtown Toronto.

Toronto police said officers responded to a call for an assault in the Spadina Avenue and Nassau Street area at approximately 3:55 p.m. on Feb. 14.

Investigators alleged the victim was walking northbound on Spadina Avenue, nearing Nassau Street, when the suspect approached and, without provocation, discharged a substance believed to be pepper spray into the victim’s face.

The suspect then left the area.

On Monday, police said he was located and arrested.

Anthony Bernhardt, 33, of no fixed address, was charged with assault with weapon, administer noxious thing with intent to endanger life, and breach of probation.

None of the charges have been tested in court.

With files from Jermaine Wilson