Alleged bear mace attack leads to arrest of 15-year-old suspect

Windsor police cruiser at headquarters in Windsor, Ont., on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. (Melanie Kentner/CTV News Windsor)

Windsor police say they have arrested a 15-year-old boy after a bear mace attack at a west end home.

Officers responded to a report of a bear mace incident at a house in the 1700 block of Hall Avenue shortly before 7:30 a.m. on Jan. 1.

Police say they learned a male went to the residence, smashed a front window, and deployed bear mace into the home, causing four occupants to have difficulty breathing.

The suspect fled on foot but was pursued and caught by one of the victims, who physically restrained him until officers arrived a few minutes later.

The victims sustained non-life-threatening physical injuries.

The suspect, who cannot be named in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act, has been charged with the following offences:

• Assault with a weapon (x4)

• Administering a noxious substance (x4)

• Mischief under $5,000

• Failure to comply with release order

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Windsor Police Major Crimes Unit at 519-255-6700, ext. 4830. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Windsor and Essex County Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.catchcrooks.com.