6 days ago
Two people sprayed with bear spray in street-level robbery in Collingwood: OPP
A cannister of bear spray is pictured in an undated image. (File photo/CTV News)
Provincial police are investigating a street-level robbery after two people were reportedly approached by a group and sprayed with bear spray over the weekend in Collingwood.
Police say the incident happened sometime overnight Friday into the early morning hours Saturday. Officers were called to Ste. Marie Street, near the parking lot adjacent to the Eddie Bush Memorial Arena, for a report about two people in distress.
Bear spray can cause burning in the eyes, nose and throat, and temporary blindness and difficulty breathing. At close range, the spray can also cause permanent eye damage.
Both individuals were taken to Collingwood General and Marine Hospital to be treated for the bear spray, and one for a head injury. Police say they were later released.
It's believed there were about seven suspects involved, one with their face partially covered by a t-shirt. Police say the group took off through the parking lot toward Hurontario Street before officers arrived.
"Officers conducted extensive patrols in the area and followed up on several leads, including traffic stops involving individuals in the vicinity," OPP noted. Still, no arrests have been made.
The investigation is now in the hands of the Collingwood OPP Crime Unit.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the authorities.
