Saskatchewan church evacuated after man unleashes bear spray Sunday morning

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NORTH BATTLEFORD - Mounties in Saskatchewan say several people, including children, were assessed after a man unleashed bear spray inside a church Sunday morning. 

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NORTH BATTLEFORD – Mounties in Saskatchewan say several people, including children, were assessed after a man unleashed bear spray inside a church Sunday morning. 

RCMP say the disturbance at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in North Battleford, located in west-central Saskatchewan, began before 11 a.m.

Police say officers found churchgoers holding the suspect in the hallway before his arrest.

RCMP logo shown in Edmonton, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson
RCMP logo shown in Edmonton, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

The church was later evacuated and police say about 25 people of all ages received treatment.

Bear spray can cause an intense burning sensation in the eyes and can make it difficult to breathe.

Police say an investigation has found that the suspect was not motivated by hate.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 3, 2026.

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