LAC LA BICHE, Alta — Lac La Biche RCMP are confirming that two teens are facing charges after a cloud of bear spray was released into a crowd at the Lac La Biche Summer Days midway on Saturday night.
RCMP and peace officers had been patrolling the grounds in the Lac La Biche downtown when "they heard yelling and screaming," at about 10:30 pm, says RCMP spokesperson Corp. Gina Slaney.Arriving at the scene police determined that a number of people had been affected by a burst of bear spray. EMS and Lac La Biche County Fire Services were called to the scene to help with eye-wash stations and other assistance.
Witnesses pointed police towards two youths believed to have been connected to the incident. Witnesses also say the two were involved in a fight before the bear-spray was deployed.
RCMP quickly located both teens. One has been charged with assault, and has been released from custody with conditions to appear in court at a future date. RCMP have not released the court date.
Noxious substance
The other youth is facing several charges, including assault with a weapon, possession of a prohibited weapon and administering a noxious substance. That youth is awaiting a bail hearing. Police say that since both of the accused are young offenders, no further details will be released.
RCMP say no one was seriously injured in the incident, which did force the carnival to close down half an hour before its scheduled 11 pm shutdown.
