Detectives with Niagara Regional Police 3 District (Welland/Fonthill) say they are investigating several assaults that took place Saturday night at the Fenwick Lions Carnival. Police say the suspects were attendees at the fair and the incidents occurred shortly after the fireworks, at approximately 10 p.m.
In one instance, it is alleged three male suspects sprayed bear mace from a large canister into three male victims’ eyes before running northbound on Church Street.
The victims said a group of 15 to 20 youths were causing a problem at the park and they had observed an assault they were involved in, so they attempted to get the youths off the property, at which point they were bear sprayed.
The victims suffered physical minor injuries, police said in a news release.
In another incident, a youth victim was with friends at the fireworks when unknown male youths approached him and began an altercation.
The altercation escalated to a physical dispute, police said, before the suspects then fled on foot. The youth victim suffered non-life threatening injuries, police said.
Detectives are seeking the public’s help in identifying the suspects. Anyone with information is asked to call detectives at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009700.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or call 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for information that leads to an arrest.
