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Five arrested in bear spray attack in north Oakville by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff 11 | Thursday, February 25, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Five people are facing charges after an assault involving bear spray at an Oakville home early Monday (Feb. 22) morning. Around 1 a.m., an altercation broke out between two groups at a Dundas Street and Sixth Line area home, Halton police said. During the incident, the home's door was damaged and one of the occupants of the residence was hit with bear spray (also known as bear mace, which is akin to a powerful pepper spray commonly used to ward off bears). The suspects were armed with a variety of weapons including: a handgun (air soft pistol), sledge hammer and a container of bear spray. Police arrived on the scene quickly and pulled over a vehicle attempting to leave the area. A subsequent investigation led to the arrest of several individuals. No one was seriously injured. Police allege this was a targeted incident with those involved known to one another. continued from p.1 No apparent cause for a blaze There were no services to the building. It was a vacant building, so what could have caused the fire? It's not like there was a lightning storm that night and lightning hit it. There is just nothing to point to it being accidental. Chief Fire Prevention Officer, Oakville Fire Five people were jointly charged. They face charges, including: break and enter; disguise with intent; administer noxious substance; point firearm; possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose; assault with a weapon; and, possession of a controlled substance. Those charged include Harish Joshi, 28; Nicholas Lister, 26; Mohammad Saberian, 27; Jessica Lawrence-Konopka, 25; and Cory Nelson, 28 -- all of Mississauga. All were held for bail hearings. · · · Halton police officers also said this incident is not connected to a failed home invasion, which took place in the area of Glenashton and Cashey drives on Saturday. Police were called to a residence in that area around 4:30 p.m., after a resident was confronted at the door by a person carrying what appeared to be a handgun. The resident closed the door and the suspect fled the area on foot. No arrests have been made in connection with that incident. Anyone with information about either incident is asked to contact the Oakville Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747, ext. 2216 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). vacant building, so what could have caused the fire?," he asked. "It's not like there was a lightning storm that night and lightning hit it. There is just nothing to point to it being accidental." Oakville fire investigators and the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal investigated the scene of the blaze. Halton police said they have no suspects at this time and no reason to believe this incident is connected to any other fires, which have taken place in the area recently. Laframboise is calling on residents to ensure any vacant buildings or sheds on their property are secure. MONDAY TO FRIDAY 7AM TO 3PM Upon purchase of a meal valued at $12 or more before tax, receive the second one at half price. Promotions are valid upon presentation of this coupon only. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. One coupon per client, per visit. Not valid on the Early Bird and Table d'Hôte menus, and holidays. Valid from Monday to Friday at Ben & Florentine Oakville. Expiration date: March 4th, 2016 ½ PRICE Gary Laframboise Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Crime Stoppers of Halton at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). -- with files from Graham Paine 146 Lakeshore Rd. W. 905.338.6333 OAKVILLE