Hamilton police say two boys assaulted 8-year-old with bear spray
Hamilton police bear spray case: 2 youths accused in store break-in and assault See how officers responded, charges were laid, and bear spray incidents rose 115%
Hamilton police say an 11yearold and a 12yearold broke into a Canadian Tire store in the city’s east end early Tuesday and stole bear spray before using it to assault an 8yearold later that day near Upper Ottawa Street and Rymal Road.
Police said officers responded around 7 p.m. and quickly arrested the suspects. The 11yearold cannot be criminally charged because Canadian law sets the minimum age of criminal responsibility at 12, so he was released to a parent.
The 12yearold faces multiple charges, including assault with a weapon, and investigators also linked him to a separate breakin and theft at a vape store on July 1. Hamilton police said bear sprayrelated incidents have risen in the city in recent years, with reports increasing by 115% between 2021 and 2025.