The foyer doors at a downtown Red Deer Tim Hortons are left open following a bear mace spraying Friday morning in an altercation between two men, according to RCMP. (rdnewsNOW/Alessia Proietti)

By Alessia Proietti

No risk to public

Red Deer RCMP investigating bear mace incident

Apr 21, 2023 | 3:33 PM

An altercation between two men led to a can of bear mace being sprayed in a local Tim Hortons.

On Friday, April 21 at approximately 10:20 a.m., Red Deer RCMP responded to a report of a dispute occurring south of 42 St and Gaetz Ave.

They say the incident continued across the street, towards the Tim Hortons (4217 50 Ave), when the suspect brandished a can of bear mace and sprayed it towards the other party in the foyer of the business, in between the front entrance door and the second door leading to the restaurant area.

Constable Cory Riggs, with the Red Deer RCMP Youth and Community Action Team, said someone opened the second door, causing employees and guests to feel the after-effects of the bear spray, which has a harsh smell and can cause eye irritation. He says Emergency Medical Services were called to treat those who may have been affected.

Riggs says both the victim and the suspect fled the scene thereafter, in opposite directions. He confirmed that RCMP used a drone camera to search the area and trail systems in and across Rotary Park.

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RCMP state the male suspect who sprayed the bear mace was last seen wearing:

• a black hat
• grey jacket
• black pants
• black shoes with white soles

The incident is still under investigation. Riggs says it is deemed a targeted event and therefore, there is no risk to the public.

For those who have any information regarding this incident, contact Red Deer RCMP at 403-406-2200. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.