UPDATE: Man arrested following bear spray incident in North Battleford

May 3, 2026 - North Battleford, Saskatchewan
From: Saskatchewan RCMP

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As a result of continued investigation, Battlefords RCMP has charged an adult male in relation to this incident.

38-year-old Chad Weasel from North Battleford, SK is charged with:

• Four counts, assault with a weapon, Section 267(a), Criminal Code;
• one count, possession of weapon for dangerous purpose, Section 88(1), Criminal Code;
• one count, carrying a concealed weapon, Section 90(1), Criminal Code;
• one count, commit a common nuisance, Section 180(1), Criminal Code;
• one count, unlawfully obstruct a minister from celebrating religious service, Section 176(1)(a), Criminal code; and
• one count, mischief, Section 430(4), Criminal Code.

He appeared in North Battleford Provincial Court May 4, 2026. 

Background

2026-05-03

A man was arrested and bear spray seized following an incident at a church in North Battleford. 

On May 3, 2026, around 10:40 a.m., Battlefords RCMP received a report of a disturbance. The call ended before more information was received. A second call was received shortly after reporting a male had bear sprayed inside a church. 

Multiple Battlefords RCMP officers responded immediately to St. Paul’s Anglican Church on 99^th Street in North Battleford. When officers arrived, the adult male suspect was being held by individuals inside a hallway in the church. He was arrested by police without further incident. Bear spray was seized by police officers at the scene. 

The entire church was evacuated. Approximately 25 people of all ages were impacted by the effects of the bear spray, including several children. EMS were on scene treating people. No other physical injuries were reported to police.

Preliminary investigation indicates this is not a hate crime-motivated incident. As it occurred only this morning, police still must speak with witnesses and people at the scene before any further information can be released, including anything leading up to the bear spray event.

Charges have not been laid at this time and therefore we cannot provide any further identifying information about the male. More information will be provided when publicly available.