Two teens charged after 11 people bear sprayed: Winnipeg police

Winnipeg police have charged two teens after 11 people were sprayed with bear spray in Winnipeg over the weekend.

WPS say on Feb. 12, officers responded to a report that bear spray had been used on a Winnipeg bus near Sargent Avenue and Empress Street.

Seven people who were on the bus, including the driver, were all reportedly sprayed before the suspects fled into a nearby store.

While in the store, police say the suspects sprayed three more before fleeing to another store, where a staff member was sprayed, and another was slapped.

When officers arrived at the scene, they noticed two suspects holding cans of bear spray. A short foot chase happened before officers caught the pair.

While in police custody, officers confiscated four cans of bear spray. One of the suspects also lied to officers about their name and later spat at an officer’s face.

WPS say the two suspects, a 16-year-old and a 15-year-old, have since been charged with 11 counts of assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon and failing to comply. Both were also processed for outstanding warrants.

The 16-year-old is also facing additional charges of assaulting a peace officer and identity fraud.

WPS say all 11 individuals that were bear sprayed were treated by paramedics at the scenes.

An investigation is still underway, and police say no motive has been identified at this time.