Yellowknife man faces charges after alleged assault with bear spray
RCMP say bear spray used on people in 3 separate incidents in N.W.T since Friday
A Yellowknife man is facing multiple charges, including three charges of assault with a weapon, after police say two male victims were allegedly sprayed with bear spray in downtown Yellowknife on Saturday evening.
Chris Rivett, 59, was arrested in a "multi residential building" on 52nd Avenue following the police investigation into the incident, according to a press release from the RCMP Monday afternoon. Rivett is scheduled for a Jan. 5 court appearance on three charges of assault with a weapon, a charge of carrying a concealed weapon, and a charge of possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose.
Police say the alleged assault Saturday evening was not the only recent bear spray incident in Yellowknife. On Friday evening, police responded to an alarm in a "multiple residence building" on 52nd Avenue where they say they found a female victim who had been sprayed with bear spray. She was taken to Stanton Territorial Hospital for treatment. Police say the investigation into that incident is ongoing.
On Tuesday, RCMP said in an email to CBC News that the bear spray incidents on Friday and Saturday were not related. Rivett's third charge for assault stems from the discovery of an alleged third victim identified during the course of the police investigation into the Saturday evening incident.
There is more than one multi-residence building on 52nd Avenue. On Tuesday, RCMP said that Rivett was arrested in the "same area as the first incident," but that the incidents are so far not considered connected.
Police also say that a person was sprayed with bear spray early Saturday morning in Fort Providence, N.W.T. The victim was taken to the local health centre for treatment and police continue to investigate.
"There is a concerning pattern of use of bear spray in buildings and toward people," stated Staff Sgt. Yannick Hamel in the news release.
"We want to put a stop to this illegal activity and provide a safe environment for all our citizens. If you see someone, or suspicious activity involving bear spray, please call it in immediately".
Police are asking anyone with information about the incidents to contact Yellowknife RCMP at 669-1111, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or text: "nwtnutips" plus your message to 274637.