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UPDATE: RCMP investigate bear-spraying incident in Nanaimo

One youth facing assault with a weapon charge from incident on Third Street on Feb. 3
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One man and two children were treated by Nanaimo firefighters and B.C. Ambulance paramedics after they were bear-sprayed outside their home on the 400 block of Third Street. (Chris Bush/News Bulletin)

An adult and two children received medical treatment after being bear-sprayed outside their home in Harewood last week.

Three patients were treated at their home in the 400 block of Third Street in Nanaimo after the incident Friday, Feb. 3, at about 3:30 p.m.

Nanaimo RCMP, Nanaimo Fire Rescue and B.C. Ambulance Service rushed to the scene. Emergency personnel at the scene confirmed the man and two children were being treated by paramedics for the effects of pepper spray, but would not need to go to the hospital.

According to Nanaimo RCMP, the assault stemmed from some sort of dispute between students at a school in Nanaimo.

Reserve Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman, said five people, including four adults and a youth, came to the home on Third Street where they confronted a 50-year-old man and his two sons, 13 and 11. The two parties, some of whom were carrying baseball bats, met in front of the house.

“There was a heated discussion,” O”Brien said. “One youth discharges bear spray and they all leave the property.”

A 14-year-old boy has a court date in April to face a charge of assault with a weapon.

“A lot of investigation is required to determine why this happened and further charges could be pending, but right now we’re involving our front-line officers and our school liaison officers to determine what’s happening between these two groups and ensure there are no further incidents,” O’Brien said.

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chris.bush@nanaimobulletin.com

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Chris Bush

About the Author: Chris Bush

As a photographer/reporter with the Nanaimo News Bulletin since 1998.
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