Police continue to search for suspects in Fenwick bear-spray incidents

NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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Niagara Regional Police detectives have continued to investigate the assaults and bear spray incidents at the Fenwick Lions Carnival from May of 2024.

As a result of the investigation three young persons were identified as suspects in minor assault incidents. They were not charged but were processed by other means as allowed by the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Detectives identified a suspect related to a bear spray incident.  On June 20, 2024, a 14-year-old youth male from Thorold was arrested and charged with the Criminal Code offence of:

• assault with a weapon

The youth was released on a Form 10 Undertaking with a future court date. The Youth Criminal Justice Act of Canada prohibits the Niagara Region Police Service from releasing the identity of the accused.

Two youth suspects involved in the bear spray incident remain unidentified. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the investigating officers by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009700.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477.  Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.

Original Release – May 27, 2024

On May 25, 2024, detectives began an investigation into several assaults, that occurred at the Fenwick Lions Carnival located at 999 Church Street in Fenwick.

Investigation has revealed the suspects in the assaults were attendees at the fair and the incidents occurred shortly after the fireworks, at approximately 10 p.m. In one instance, it is alleged that three male suspects sprayed Bear Mace with a large canister into three male victims’ eyes before running northbound on Church Street. The victims advised a group of 15-20 youths were causing a problem at the park and they had observed an assault with them, so they attempt to get them off the property which resulted in them getting bear sprayed. The victims suffered physical minor injuries.

In another incident, a youth victim was with friends at the fireworks when unknown youth males approached him and began an altercation with him. The altercation escalated to a physical dispute. The suspects then fled on foot. The youth victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Detectives are seeking the public’s help in identifying the suspects. Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009700.

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