2 teens charged after fight involving bear spray, replica firearm at Kildonan Place: police

Two Winnipeg teens have been chargedwith assault with a weapon after Winnipeg police say they were involved in a fight atKildonan Place mall on Monday.

Officers responded around 4:20 p.m.to a report of a shootingin the 1500 block of Regent Avenue, the block that includes Kildonan Place, police said in a Tuesday news release.

Several police units, including members of the tactical support team, responded and found a 17-year-old boy had already beenapprehended by Kildonan Place security and an off-duty Winnipeg police officer.

That teen had an imitation firearm, loaded with blank cartridges, on him when he was taken into custody, police said.

The 17-year-old had also been sprayed with bear spray, police said. He was treated at the scene.

Officers also found a 16-year-old boy who had suffered minor upper-body injuries from afirearm discharge, police said.He was taken to hospital in stable condition and treated for his injuries.

After investigating, the police service's major crimes unit learned that the two boys who did not know each other were involved in an argument which became physical. Police allege the16-year-old attacked the 17-year-old with bear spray, and the older teen then fired the replica firearm toward the 16-year-old.

The 16-year-old is nowcharged with assault with a weapon and possession of a weapon. The 17-year-old is charged with assault with a weapon and use of imitation firearm during the commission of an indictable offence.

A spokesperson for Kildonan Place reached by CBC Monday said the mall was aware of the incident, but since the investigation is ongoing couldnot provide comment.