NANAIMO, British Columbia, Feb. 17 (UPI) -- Two men on Canada's Vancouver Island face assault charges after 28 people were sprayed in the face with bear spray during a weekend altercation.
The incident occurred Sunday evening at a McDonald's restaurant where a Nanaimo hockey team was holding a fan appreciation night, the Nanaimo News Bulletin reported.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police Constable Gary O'Brien said three young men reportedly were angry they were told they would have to wait to place their orders while the hockey group's orders were filled.
Canisters of bear spray were discharged, and as many as 28 people were hit. The youngest victim was just 4, the report said.
The noxious spray, used to fend off bear attacks, causes intense burning and swelling of the mucous membranes around the eyes nose and mouth.
O'Brien said two of the suspects, 19 and 17, were "well-known" to police. They face charges that include assault causing bodily harm and assault with a prohibited weapon.
The third man, 18, was released and was ordered to appear in court on an assault charge.
