Between Sept. 12 and Oct. 7, police reported 18 incidents where bear spray was used as a weapon. They say it could rise to 285 by year end.
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In the last month, Saskatoon police have alerted the public about 18 incidents where bear spray was the primary weapon used against another person, sometimes in a public space.
The incidents included bear spray being used inside Midtown Mall, Mount Royal Collegiate and two city buses.
Between Sept. 12 and Oct. 7, six incidents happened in the city’s downtown, four were in Pleasant Hill and two were in Fairhaven. Assaults on Idylwyld Drive, Laurier Drive and Circle Drive were part of a spree on Sept. 12 and 13, when five incidents were reported.
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“The Saskatoon Police Service has seen a troubling rise in bear spray-related incidents throughout 2024. Particularly we’re seeing this in assault with a weapon and robbery investigations,” Superintendent Tonya Gresty said.
Based on current trends, city police estimate the total number of bear spray incidents could rise to 285 by the end of the year, Gresty said.
Police confirmed that so far only two people have been arrested in the 18 recent incidents.
An 18-year-old man is facing assault with a weapon charges in connection with two incidents that happened an hour apart on Sept. 14 at Midtown Mall and then on a bus at the intersection of Preston Avenue North and 108th Street.
A 17-year-old also faces charges after police saw him bear spray another person on Second Avenue around 2 a.m. on Sept. 28.
According to police, approximately 10 of the recent incidents involved random acts of violence. It’s too early to say whether any of the assaults are connected, or how many may have involved self-defence, Gresty noted.
Anyone 18 years and older can buy bear spray as long as they provide identification and their address on a signed waiver. However, Gresty said bear spray is easily bought online, and can then be modified and traded on the street.
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It’s illegal to use bear spray against another person or to carry it for self-defence. People can be charged under the criminal code with offences that include assault with a weapon, carrying a concealed weapon and possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
In March, the provincial government passed new legislation allowing police to ticket people who carry bear spray in a “public urban area” not associated with wildlife, and who modify canisters to disguise their contents.
“It allows officers to enter into that investigation, issue a ticket proactively, rather than responding to a criminal offence where bear spray was involved. We’re able to remove and issue the ticket to prevent the carrying of bear spray in public spaces,” Gresty said.
The Ministry of Justice says that fines can be as high as $100,000. Gresty said Saskatoon police have issued seven tickets so far, and are looking to increase enforcement as officers adapt to the new legislation.
“The rate that we’re seeing it used in offences is definitely escalating. There’s been somewhat of a presence for years now, but the use of it has escalated.”
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She said most bear spray assaults are happening in the city’s core neighbourhoods; one neighbourhood accounts for 21 per cent of reported crimes involving the spray.
A crime analyst is combing the data to get more insight into where it’s happening, who’s involved and what’s causing the uptick, Gresty said.
“This comprehensive analysis will allow us to develop a tailored strategy to reduce the incidents and enhance public safety.”
Police said many of the recent bear spray files are still under investigation. They encourage everyone to report suspicious incidents or people by calling 306-975-8300.
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