Victims treated for minor injuries after man allegedly bear sprays Saskatoon bus passengers

Police in Saskatoon say several people were treated for minor injuries after a man allegedly doused a bus driver and Saskatoon Transit passengers with bear spray on Wednesday evening.

According to police, officers were called to the bus on the 100 block of Bowlt Crescent – which connects Hart Road to the Shaw Centre and Tommy Douglas Collegiate – at around 10:20 p.m.

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“The driver and several passengers reported being sprayed by a male as they stepped off the bus,” the Saskatoon Police Service said in a statement.

“The suspect then fled on foot. The victims were treated at the scene for minor injuries.”

Police said the suspect was wearing a black hoodie, grey pants and a “face covering” during the alleged assault, and asked anyone with information on the case to contact the Saskatoon Police Service or make an anonymous report through Crime Stoppers.

At least four bear-spray incidents on Saskatoon buses this month

April has seen several incidents involving bear spray on or outside Saskatoon Transit buses, including an case on April 2 when a man allegedly sprayed the irritant on a city bus on Eighth Street East.

On the evening of April 8, police were called to a bus on Preston Avenue South after getting a report saying a group of “young males” caused a disturbance on the bus before discharging bear spray and fleeing.

Then, on April 15, police were called to the area of 23rd Street West and Avenue H North after getting a report about an injured person.

“Upon arrival, officers located two victims; one of which was suffering the effects of bear spray,” the Saskatoon Police Service said in a statement.

“Further investigation found that the victims had been riding a city bus when it stopped at a bus stop at 23rd Street West and Avenue H North. As the victims began to exit, they were bear sprayed by two unknown suspects who were also exiting the bus.”

Police said the suspects were gone by the time the officers arrived.

Saskatoon man facing child porn charges

A 47-year-old Saskatoon man is facing two charges of possessing child sexual abuse and exploitation material after he was arrested by police earlier this week.

According to the Saskatchewan Internet Child Exploitation Unit – which includes Mounties and municipal officers from around the province – officers raided a home in the Bridge City on Jan. 13, seizing electronics in the process.

Police said the man was arrested and charged on Wednesday, and was released with court-imposed conditions ahead of his next appearance before a judge on May 19.