REGINA - The Regina Police Service is asking for help from the public following two bear spray incidents in Regina.
On Sept. 10 shortly before 7 p.m., police were dispatched to the 1900 block of Robinson Street for the report of a weapons offence involving bear spray.
Police arrived and met with the victim, a 47 year-old man.
Police learned that he had agreed through Facebook to meet another male on the 1900 block of Robinson Street after the male expressed interest in purchasing a smartwatch. The driver remained in his car when the potential buyer arrived. The potential buyer then attempted to take the item without paying, and a struggle ensued.
The suspect then sprayed the driver with bear spray, and fled the scene.
Police were not able to locate the suspect in a search of the area.
It is believed that the suspect used a false identity on Facebook to contact the seller.
Second assault
This assault is similar to a previous incident reported to police.
On the night of Sept. 9, police were dispatched to a report of an assault with a weapon at the location of 1909 Robinson Street.
A male was driving southbound on the 1900 block of Robinson Street when a male suspect sprayed bear spray into his rolled-down driver window. The suspect in this incident ran away.
Police could not find the suspect after searching the area.
Police are asking anyone with information regarding these incidents to contact the Regina Police Service at 306-777-6500 or Crime Stoppers.
Use caution when meeting strangers
Police would like to remind the public that if you are organizing meet-ups with strangers over social media, to use caution.
Consider bringing along a friend, and never enter an unfamiliar dwelling or private area away from public view. Tell a friend or family member of the meeting and the location ahead of time, and always bring a charged phone along in case of emergency.
