Police investigating incident of children sprayed with mace in Kingston

In a disturbing incident on Rideau Street, a child appears to have sprayed other youths with mace.

On the evening of Sunday, Sep. 22, 2024, Kingstonist became aware of a heavy first responder presence at an address in the 200 block of Rideau Street. Unconfirmed reports at that time indicated that children had been involved in an incident where “bear mace” or “pepper spray” had been used.

Shortly thereafter, a video began circulating online that seemed to support claims that a child had sprayed a group of other children with a harmful substance. In the home security video, three children can be seen playing on a sidewalk in front of a housing complex. Unconfirmed reports state that they are six, nine, and 10 years old.

A fourth child of around 10 years old approaches the group, holds out both arms, and sprays liquid at them before running away. The children immediately begin screaming in pain and can be seen running from the scene, clawing at their eyes.

Adults appear in the frame, running toward the location where the child with the substance retreated. They can be heard yelling that children had been pepper sprayed in the eyes. Angry words are exchanged before someone announces they are calling "the cops." Some cover their own faces, reacting to the substance still presumably hanging in the air.

On Monday, Sept. 23, 2024, Kingstonist confirmed with Kingston Police that they are aware of an incident on Rideau Street involving a noxious substance being sprayed. The incident, which occurred around 6:50 p.m. on Sunday and saw response from Kingston Police, Kingston Fire & Rescue, and Frontenac Paramedics, is currently under investigation. According to Kingston Police, more details will be released in an official statement.