Man arrested after bear spray incident at local church, suspect held by bystanders

A man is in custody after a bear spray incident at a church in North Battleford.

Battlefords RCMP were called around 10:40 a.m. on Sunday, May 3, after receiving a report of a disturbance. The call ended before details were provided, but a second caller reported a man had discharged bear spray inside a church.

Officers went to St. Paul’s Anglican Church on 99th Street, where they found the suspect being restrained by others in a hallway. He was arrested without incident and police seized bear spray at the scene.

The church was evacuated. About 25 people, including several children, were affected by the spray and were treated by emergency medical services. Police said no other injuries were reported.