Winnipeg, Manitoba – A series of random bear spray attacks across Winnipeg on Tuesday morning left at least eight people injured and two suspects — a 20-year-old woman and a 16-year-old girl — in custody following separate incidents.
According to Winnipeg Police Service, the first incident began shortly after 7:30 a.m. in the Osborne Village area, where six people were allegedly assaulted by a woman using bear spray. Authorities say the suspect initially sprayed a vehicle driver at the intersection of Stradbrook Avenue and Donald Street, then proceeded to attack multiple pedestrians and cyclists in the surrounding area, including women waiting at bus stops and walking near River Avenue and Mayfair Place.
The suspect, identified as 20-year-old Sumayah Lucille Chanelle Cook-Okemow, was arrested by West District General Patrol officers near the 200 block of River Avenue. She faces six counts of assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon, and mischief under $5,000. Police said she remains in custody.
In a separate but similar incident about 30 minutes later, a 16-year-old girl allegedly sprayed two women at Bannatyne Avenue and Rorie Street around 8 a.m., after reportedly becoming upset when the women looked at her. The victims suffered minor exposure injuries.
Central District General Patrol officers arrested the teen near the 500 block of Main Street. She has been charged with two counts of assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon, and failure to comply with a sentence order. She also remains in custody.
Investigators believe there may be additional victims yet to come forward. Police urge anyone affected by these incidents to contact West District investigators at 204-986-2842.
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