Man arrested following bear spray incident in North Battleford

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

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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.