Police make several arrests after string of bear spray attacks in Brandon

Police have arrested three young men and are searching for several suspects after a number of people were attacked with pepper and bear sprays on Saturday in four separate incidents around Brandon.

The attacks ranged in time from 12:30 a.m. to 9:20 p.m. and took place at three locations in the city: the Manitoba Summer Fair, Brandon Shoppers Mall and near Meadows School.

It is unclear exactly how many people were attacked, if the incidents were connected or not, whether the individuals charged are known to each other or what their motive may have been.

A BPS news release says at 12:30 a.m., police received a report of a 19-year-old male who was sprayed with pepper spray while at the fair.

Police later arrested and charged a 17-year-old Brandon male with assault with a weapon, possession of a prohibited weapon and breach of recognizance. He was scheduled to appear in court on Sunday.

At 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, police received a report that two employees were attacked with bear spray while working at the Shoppers Mall.

The suspect fled the mall and police say he was followed for a short distance. He is described as approximately 20 years of age, between five-foot-eight and six-feet tall, Aboriginal in appearance and wearing all black. Police say they continue to investigate the matter.

At 7:45 p.m., police received reports of numerous people at the fair who were sprayed with what was believed to be bear spray.

The exact number of victims has not been released, but police say those affected were treated by EMS responders at the fair and two Brandon teens were later arrested in connection to the incident.

One, a 17-year-old male, was charged with possession of a weapon, while the other, a 15-year-old male, was charged with assault with a weapon and unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon.

Both were scheduled to appear in court on Sunday and police say there are further subjects who have yet to be identified.

Officials with the Provincial Exhibition said the first altercation at the fair happened near the gates, while the second occurred outside on the grounds of the Keystone Centre.

"Guest safety is our number one priority," a spokesperson for the Provincial Exhibition said in a statement. "Paladin Security, Brandon EMS and Brandon Police Service were quick to respond and managed the situation with no further incident."

Finally, at 9:20 p.m., police received a report that two people had attacked a group of individuals with pepper spray near Meadows School.

The incident is still under investigation and police say no arrests have been made at this time.

» mlee@brandonsun.com

» Twitter: @mtaylorlee