The downtown beach was crowded with visitors when the incident occurred. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

Charges pending

Teen in custody following targeted bear mace incident during sporting event

Aug 15, 2024 | 12:48 PM

A teenager has been taken into custody following a bear mace incident which occurred downtown La Ronge on Wednesday.

At approximately 6 p.m., La Ronge RCMP received a report that bear mace had been deployed at a sporting event in the community during the Tony Cote Summer Games. Thousands of people had gathered for a large fish fry at the town’s urban reserve with many also enjoying their time at a nearby beach.

An investigation determined a male youth deployed the bear mace, targeting another youth. Numerous people felt the effects of the mace and one was treated at the hospital.

It’s anticipated that charges will be laid in the coming days as the investigation progresses. As a result of the incident, at least one team – Big River First Nation – have left the community and ended their participation at the Games early.

“It’s very unfortunate that one individual chose to disrupt an event that so many have travelled to La Ronge to enjoy,” said La Ronge RCMP Staff Sgt. Derek Eberle.

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“Investigators have determined this was a targeted, isolated incident involving individuals unconnected to the event. We continue to work with organizers to ensure the event is safe for all attendees.”

Lac La Ronge Indian Band Chief Tammy Cook-Searson has apologized for the incident, noting she is thankful to La Ronge EMS, police and on-site security for the quick response.

“To our understanding … it was a targeted incident between two non-athletes,” she added.

“It is unfortunate it happened where it happened. We hope everybody is OK who was impacted by it. Innocent victims were caught in the crossfire. We are thankful to the hospital, too, for helping the youth out who were impacted.

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derek.cornet@pattisomedia.com