Several youths face charges after allegedly using bear spray against each other Hamilton schools

December 17, 2024 Canuck

Several youths are facing charges following a series of incidents in which bear spray was used on school properties across Hamilton.

Hamilton Police said the first reported incident happened on Nov. 25 at Nora Frances Henderson high school and St. Jean de Brebeuf high school, located near the area of Upper Sherman and Rymal Road. The two schools are located about a kilometre away from each other.

After “physical violence had erupted,” police said, bear spray was discharged by some of those involved, causing several injuries. Officers did not disclose the severity of those injuries.

“Traffic was also disrupted as a result of the melee,” Tuesday’s release reads.

As a result, six people were arrested including five youths, where they were either charged or diverted for assault.

The next incident happened on Dec. 2, again on St. Jean de Brebeuf’s grounds.

According to police, a student was found “expelling” a can of bear spray into a school drain, and is now facing charges, including mischief and possession of a prohibited weapon.

The following day, on Dec. 3, police said they were called to a gathering held at Ancaster Community Center at 385 Jerseyville Road West, involving students from Ancaster High School, Bishop Tonnos High School and St. Thomas More High School.

Officers said a fight erupted where some students allegedly used bear spray. As a result, police said one youth was charged while three others were diverted for possessing a prohibited weapon.

“In conjunction with criminal charges and diversions, the accused parties in each of these incidents have also been suspended by their respective school,” the release reads.

Earlier this year, in October, Hamilton police cautioned the public against “escalating incidents” between St. Jean de Brebeuf and Nora Frances Henderson students after a 15-year-old boy died in a car crash.

Police did not say anything then about the apparent tensions between the two schools, but said it would work with the communities to “ensure the safety of staff and students.”

Investigators are asking anyone with information related to the most recent incidents to contact them or Crime Stoppers anonymously.

With files from CTV News Toronto’s Phil Tsekouras

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