17-year-old charged in Market Mall bear spray attack

Calgary police have charged a youth accused in a bear spray attack at Market Mall.

The assault happened at the Sport Chek location in the mall's south end at 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11.

Police say four people entered the store but were asked to leave by a staff member who suspected they were shoplifting.

A short time later, one of the group members allegedly returned to the store, at which time he bear sprayed the employee and one of her coworkers.

The employees received first aid on scene and didn't need to be taken to hospital.

On Wednesday, police announced a 17-year-old had been taken into custody.

The accused, who cannot be named under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, is charged with assault with a weapon and one count of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.