12-year-old boy charged after allegedly attacking child with bear spray stolen from Canadian Tire

A Hamilton Police Service logo is seen in Ottawa, on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby

A 12-year-old boy is facing charges after allegedly attacking an eight-year-old child with bear spray stolen from a Canadian Tire in Hamilton, Ont.

Hamilton Police said they were called to the area of Upper Ottawa Street and Rymal Road on Tuesday for reports of an assault with a weapon.

When they arrived at the scene, police said they found an 11-year-old boy and a 12-year-old boy nearby, who both allegedly sprayed the younger child.

Police said the two youths had broken into a nearby Canadian Tire at around 2 a.m. that day and took an undisclosed quantity of bear spray.

Their identities are protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, and the 11-year-old cannot be criminally charged as the minimum age to be held criminally responsible in Canada is 12 years old. The 11-year-old was released into the care of a parent, police said.

The 12-year-old is facing various break-and-enter and assault-related charges, including administer noxious thing and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

Investigators learned the 12-year-old was also allegedly involved in a break-in of a vape store on Canada Day, where thousands of dollars’ worth of vape products were reported stolen. Hamilton Police said he faces additional charges in connection with that incident.

The use of bear spray as a weapon in Hamilton is a known problem for police, particularly among young children. Earlier this year, law enforcement launched “Project Breathe Easy” to curb its use.

• READ MORE: Hamilton police see ‘concerning’ trend of bear spray-related violence involving youths

Police say they believe there may be more suspects involved in the vape shop break-in, and are asking anyone with information to contact them.