Teen arrested after bear spray incident at Nanaimo high school

A 15-year-old student was arrested after allegedly using bear spray against another student during a lunchtime altercation at a Nanaimo high school.

The incident occurred during the lunch break on Wednesday, October 14th, and involved two 15-year-old students who attend the same school.

According to police, the students became involved in an altercation during which one allegedly discharged a burst of bear spray at the other.

Police say school officials and RCMP Youth officers responded immediately.

One of the students was subsequently arrested for assault with a weapon, while the student who was sprayed did not require medical treatment.

“Bear spray is designed to deter wildlife, not to be used against another person under any circumstances,” said inspector Donovan Tait, operations officer for Nanaimo RCMP

“When young people choose to carry and use bear spray as a weapon, it is an illegal act, and they risk causing serious injury and could face significant criminal charges.”

Tait added that police hope the incident serves as a reminder that poor decisions can have lasting consequences.

Police have not identified the school involved. The investigation remains ongoing.