Police in LaSalle are investigating after several people were assaulted with bear and/or pepper spray during an incident at the LaSalle Strawberry Festival.
Constable Terry Seguin confirmed to Blackburn News that it happened Saturday evening at the annual event. Five people had to be treated by paramedics, mainly for irritation to their eyes. Police said it appears that the victims were all under the age of 18.
At this time the investigation is still in the early stages and police are working to identify the culprit or culprits. More information is expected to be released in the next few days.
Seguin said using pepper and/or bear spray is classified as assault with a weapon and police are not taking the incident lightly. He added that he's optimistic that with the large number of attendees at the festival, there may be several people who saw what happened.
If you witnessed the incident or have any additional information, police are asking you to give them a call at 519-969-5210 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers by calling 519 258-8477.
