Man charged with assault after Alberta RCMP attacked with bear spray

Alberta RCMP charged a man after he allegedly bear-sprayed an officer in the face this week, according to a news release issued Friday.

On May 18, police responded to a complaint of a suspicious man carrying bear repellent in the Ermineskin townsite.

A suspect matching the description ran away when officers approached him, RCMP said.

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“The police pursued the male, who then discharged a large amount of bear repellent spray into the face of a police officer,” RCMP said.

Share this on X Click to share quote on X: "The police pursued the male, who then discharged a large amount of bear repellent spray into the face of a police officer," RCMP said.

Police said the man fought them, “hitting and kicking additional officers who were able to arrest him following a struggle.”

RCMP said EMS treated the officer on scene, adding that he had minor injuries.

Christopher Simon, 38, of Maskwacis, was charged with:

• assaulting a police officer with a weapon
• three counts of assaulting a police officer
• resisting police
• carrying a concealed weapon
• possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose

Simon is in custody and scheduled to appear in Wetaskiwin court on May 26.