Youth Charged in Bear Spray Assault
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Hamilton Police have arrested and charged a youth following an assault involving bear spray at a Hamilton Mountain secondary school.
On March 2, 2026, shortly before 1:00 pm, police responded to a report of an assault at Nora Frances Henderson Secondary School located at 1770 Upper Sherman Avenue.
The investigation determined that several youths became involved in a confrontation that began inside the school and continued outside near the basketball courts. During the altercation, one youth discharged a canister believed to be bear spray, striking another youth in the face.
The victim fled the area and sought assistance at a nearby residence where they were able to rinse their eyes and recover from the effects of the spray. No serious physical injuries were reported.
Through the course of the investigation, including information gathered from witnesses and the school community, investigators were able to identify a suspect. On March 8, 2026, police arrested a 17-year-old Hamilton male without incident.
The youth is charged with:
- Assault with a Weapon
- Administer Noxious Thing
- Disguise with Intent
- Possession of a Prohibited Weapon
- Fail to Comply with Undertaking
The accused was held for a bail hearing.
Due to provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the identity of the accused cannot be released.
Two additional youths believed to have been involved in the incident have not yet been identified and the investigation remains ongoing.
This incident reflects an ongoing concern involving youth conflicts where bear spray is being used as a weapon. Hamilton Police continue to address these incidents through targeted enforcement, school partnerships, and community engagement aimed at preventing youth violence and increasing awareness around the risks and legal consequences of carrying and using bear spray.