Nanaimo RCMP is investigating an incident involving bear spray that occurred at a local high school during the noon hour break on October 14.

Two 15-year-old students who attend the same school were involved in an altercation, during which one youth allegedly sprayed the other with a burst of bear spray.

School officials immediately responded along with RCMP Youth officers. One youth was arrested for Assault with a Weapon. The youth who was sprayed did not require medical treatment.

"Bear spray is designed to deter wildlife, not to be used against another person under any circumstances," said Inspector Donovan Tait, Operations Officer for the Nanaimo RCMP. "When young people choose to carry and use bear spray as a weapon, it is an illegal act, and they risk causing serious injury and could face significant criminal charges. We hope this serves as a reminder that poor decisions can have lasting consequences."

The investigation remains ongoing.