Sunday a man was arrested and bear spray was seized afer an incident at a church in North Battleford.

Around 10:40 a.m. Battlefords RCMP received a reportof a disturbance but the caller disconnected before they could provide details but a second call came in shortly after saying a man had bear sprayed inside a church.

Multiple Battlefords RCMP officers responded immediately to St. Paul’s Anglican Church on 99th Street in North Battleford where a male suspect was being held by individuals inside a hallway in the church and he was quickly arrested. Bear spray was seized by officers at the scene.

The entire church was evacuated. Approximately 25 people of all ages were impacted by the effects of the bear spray, including several children. EMS were on scene treating people. No other physical injuries were reported to police.

Preliminary investigation indicates this is not a hate crime-motivated incident. Police area speaking with witnesses before any further information will be released.