40-year-old arrested after multiple people affected in bear spray assault

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on December 16, 2025.

Nathan Canfield, 40, has been charged with several offences after allegedly releasing a significant amount of bear spray in the front entryway to a residence in the 2000 block of Southview Drive on Friday.

Police responded to multiple individuals being assaulted with bear spray and determined Canfield discharged the Oleoresin Capsicum, also called bear spray, in the front entryway, resulting in several residents in the building being affected.

No serious injuries were reported and all affected parties received medical attention at the scene.

Officers say Canfield fled the scene immediately after the incidents but was arrested by police on Sunday in connection with the incident.

Canfield has been charged with assault, three counts of assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public, uttering threats and two counts of public mischief.

Canfield was remanded into custody following a judicial interim release hearing and is scheduled to appear before court Dec. 22.