SASKATOON—The Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) has reported its fifth bear spray-related incident this week, several of which involved teenagers. Three incidents occurred on Thursday, Jan. 16, within hours of each other.
The first incident was reported at 5:15 p.m. in the 400 block of 33rd Street West, where two teenagers were reportedly fighting. One discharged bear spray outside a nearby store before fleeing the scene. Police were unable to locate the suspect or the victim.
An hour later, the SPS Communications Centre received a report that six to seven youths discharged bear spray inside a store at a shopping centre in the 300 block of Confederation Drive. No injuries were reported, and the group fled before officers arrived.
The third incident took place downtown at 8:30 p.m., when a man flagged down an officer patrolling the 100 block of Second Avenue South. The man reported that two individuals wearing masks had discharged an irritant, believed not to be bear spray, before fleeing on foot. He was not injured, and the suspects could not be described.
The following morning, Friday, Jan. 17, at 4:45 a.m., patrol officers responded to the 1700 block of 20th Street West, where a distressed man was seen waving his arms while holding bear spray. Officers de-escalated the situation, seized the bear spray, and arrested the 30-year-old without incident. Police later determined the man had an outstanding warrant. He has been charged with possession of a dangerous weapon and breach of probation.
The first reported bear spray incident of the year occurred Monday, Jan. 13, at 5 p.m. in the 200 block of 1st Avenue South. Officers responded to reports of bear spray being discharged in the food court at Midtown Mall. Two youth groups had reportedly engaged in a verbal confrontation when one individual discharged bear spray. Two security guards attempting to intervene were also bear-sprayed. The groups, wearing face coverings and hoodies, fled before police arrived.
The SPS is asking anyone with information about these incidents to call 306-975-8300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
According to an SPS report provided to SaskToday, bear spray attacks increased by 16 per cent last year, with 276 reported incidents from Jan. 1 to Nov. 15, compared to 238 during the same period in 2023. Two additional cases involving minors were reported before the end of 2024, both near the 200 block of First Avenue South.
One incident occurred Tuesday, Dec. 17, and the other on Friday, Nov. 29. Both involved minors—two 13-year-olds and a 16-year-old who was also found to be in violation of court-imposed sanctions.
