File Photo/CHAT News

By Jesse Gill

POLICE

Medicine Hat man faces assault charges linked to bear spray use

Dec 15, 2025 | 11:21 AM

A 40-year-old Medicine Hat man is facing multiple charges, including assault, after an incident on Dec. 12, 2025.

At about 12:30 a.m., members of the Medicine Hat Police Patrol Section responded to a home in the 2000 block of Southview Drive SE following reports of multiple individuals being assaulted with bear spray.

Police say the investigation determined that a male suspect discharged a significant amount of Oleoresin Capsicum (bear spray) in the building’s front entryway, resulting in several individuals being affected.

The suspect fled the scene immediately after the incident.

Nathan Canfield was arrested in connection with this incident on Dec. 14, 2025.

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Canfield has been charged with assault, three counts of assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public, uttering threats, and two counts of public mischief.

Police say no serious injuries were reported, and all affected parties received medical attention at the scene.

Canfield was remanded into custody following a judicial interim release hearing and is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 22, 2025.