2 teens charged in bear spray incident at QCX, more security measures to be introduced

Charges have been laid against two teenagers in a bear spray incident that took place over the weekend at the Queen City Exhibition.

Two boys, aged 15 and 13, have been charged in the weapons incident, according to a Regina Police Service (RPS) release.

Just before 6 p.m. Saturday, officers on patrol at the QCX learned from event security staff that a possible bear spraying incident had occurred on the east end of the midway.

Several attendees reported something had been sprayed into the air and multiple victims — of all ages — displayed varying symptoms of red eyes, runny noses and generally irriate eyes, noses and throats. These symptoms are consistent with exposure to bear spray.

Some people were sent to the first-aid centre for treatment, while others left the event. Police learned security had detained two boys while police were searching the area.

In a search of the boys, a canister of bear spray and a BB gun, which police described as “a very realistic Glock-styled” weapon, were located. After further investigation, police laid charges against the boys.

Being underage, the boys cannot be identified.

The 15-year-old is facing three charges, for possession of a weapon for a purpose dangers to public place, a breach of undertaking and mischief under $5,000. Four charges have been laid against the 13-year-old, including unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon, mischief under $5,000, carrying a concealed weapon and possession of a prohibited weapon.

Both accused youth appeared in court at 9:30 a.m. Monday morning.

Regina police are encouraging anyone who was a victim of this event to make a police report. Police said they spoke with three victims after the incident, who chose to not give statements or gave limited information, and were not able to interview others because of how quickly people left the area.

A “valuable reminder:” Queen City Ex CEO

“Both (the BB gun and can of bear spray) were hidden within their pants coming through the gates and were found at a later moment on campus,” said Tim Reid, president and CEO of Regina Exhibition Associated Limited.

Reid spoke to media Monday to address the events of the weekend.

“It’s also a very valuable reminder of why we have the security processes that we do,” he said. “Every time we go to the public with a clear bag policy or a bag check policy or limitation on objects you can bring. There’s always frustration and confusion around it. But the reality of it is, is we live at a time where large public gatherings have risks. And our job is to make them as safe as we possibly can.”

In response to the incident on Saturday night, Reid explained there was a review of security process and policies and more will be done beyond checking bags.

“We’ve made the decision that when we re-open on Wednesday, we will be implementing random wanding and metal detection,” Reid said. “Similar to what you would have seen at a Riders game, we will be at random doing metal detectors for people.

“We ask people to give us a little bit more time and extend their patience because this is all around public safety.”

With files from 980 CJME’s Mattea Columpsi