A man is in custody after bear spray was deployed inside a packed church during a Sunday morning service in North Battleford.
Battlefords RCMP received a disturbance call at approximately 10:40 a.m. on May 3. The call dropped before officers could gather details. A second call came in shortly after, reporting a man had deployed bear spray inside St. Paul’s Anglican Church on 99th Street.
When officers arrived, the suspect was already being held by people inside a hallway. He was arrested without further incident and bear spray was seized at the scene.
The entire church was evacuated. Approximately 25 people were affected by the spray, including several children. EMS treated people at the scene. No other physical injuries were reported.
Battlefords RCMP said preliminary investigation indicates the incident was not motivated by hate.
“As it occurred only this morning, police still must speak with witnesses and people at the scene before any further information can be released, including anything leading up to the bear spray event,” police said in a statement.
No charges have been laid. Police said more information will be released when available.
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