Teen girl stable after hit-and-run and bear mace attack

Hamilton police are working to identify suspects and two vehicles after a group was sprayed with suspected bear mace and a teen girl was hit by a fleeing vehicle Saturday night.

Emergency services were called to Cannon Street East and Lottridge Street a little after 10 p.m. July 2. There was a large gathering at an address in the area when two vehicles drove by and sprayed a substance at the group standing outside, said Const. Indy Bharaj.

The noxious substance is suspected to be bear mace, however, that has not been confirmed.

After being sprayed, the teen stepped onto the road and was struck by one of the fleeing vehicles, Bharaj said.

The vehicles were described as a red pickup truck and an orange sports car. It's unclear how many suspects were in the vehicles or why they sprayed the group.

At some point during the incident, one of the fleeing vehicles also struck a parked 2010 Acura, causing a small amount of damage to the back driver's side of the car. It's likely one of the fleeing vehicles has damage from this impact.

The 15-year-old girl was transported by paramedics to hospital with serious injuries. She was later listed in stable condition, Bharaj said.

Several other people were treated on scene for effects from the suspected bear mace, which can cause temporary loss of sight and congestion.

Detectives have interviewed a number of witnesses and are going through surveillance video from multiple properties in the area.

Detectives from the east-end criminal investigation branch continue to investigate.

Once identified, suspects could face charges for the hit-and-run and spraying a noxious substance.

Anyone with information is asked to call police 905-546-2919.

To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppershamilton.com.

Nicole O'Reilly is a crime and justice reporter at The Spectator. noreilly@thespec.com