Man suffers bear spray injuries after confronting stranger in his driveway in Niagara

A Niagara resident was reportedly doused with an irritant spray similar to bear or dog spray after confronting a stranger in his driveway in Lincoln.

Officers were called around 3:30 a.m. on July 26 after the resident woke up to find a male in his driveway on Dennis Avenue near Garden Gate Terrace allegedly attempting to enter his car, Niagara Regional Police Service said in a press release.

The resident was suffering from the effects of an irritant spray similar to bear or dog spray when officers arrived, police said.

Police said the man confronted the stranger in his driveway and a struggle ensued. The stranger began yelling and three other men or teens came to his aid, police said.

One male allegedly produced an irritant spray canister and at least two other males produced pistols and pointed them at the complainant, police said.

The strangers allegedly threatened to shoot and kill the resident with the pistols. Then the resident was suddenly sprayed, police said.

At the same time the resident recalled hearing sounds similar to Airsoft pistols being shot/fired, police said. The resident was not struck.

The males fled in an older, light coloured, four-door sedan with a loud muffler, police said. The muffler was described as being not well maintained. The sedan was last seen turning south onto Bartlett Road towards John Street.

Police are searching for four Black males in connection to the incident. At least one male had an accent.

The males are believed to be 18 to 20 years old, approximately five-feet-10-inches to six feet tall.

They were wearing dark clothing and with balaclavas or similar face and head coverings, police said.

Police believe this incident is related to reports of three males reportedly stealing from unlocked cars while armed with a handgun Lincoln and Grimsby neighbourhoods last week.

Police strongly urge residents not to confront suspects but instead to immediately call 911. These suspects should be considered armed and dangerous.

Police ask anyone (residents or businesses) in the area (Allan Court, Adam Court, Garden Gate Terrace or Dennis Avenue) with closed circuit security cameras, doorbell video cameras, or dash cameras to review footage for suspicious activity between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. on July 26.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the investigating officers by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009386.

Or contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara at 1-800-222-8477 or online here. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.

Media Release – Overnight Assault / Weapons Incident Under Investigation – Lincolnhttps://t.co/fPEIIKyz2b pic.twitter.com/yjqQzjRiFb

— NRPS (@NiagRegPolice) July 27, 2023