Stabbing, pepper spray assault make for a violent night for police

Three men allegedly working at the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition grounds were arrested and charged Wednesday following an incident in which a person was sprayed in the face with pepper spray.

Thunder Bay Police Service officers responded to the assault shortly after 3 a.m. Wednesday, which was one incident in what eventually became a busy and sometimes violent night in the city. Police spokesman Chris Adams said police believe three men were involved in the assault that saw one person sprayed with the bear-deterrent.

The incident took place on Brodie Street at Victoria Avenue and the suspects fled the scene after jumping into a taxicab.

"The investigation revealed that there were three males involved in the assault," Adams said. "They were eventually tracked down at the CLE grounds and it turned out they were working at the CLE."

The suspects are not Thunder Bay residents.

At the same time, city police officers responded to a house party where a 24-year-old was stabbed multiple times. Adams said the stabbing at a Jean Street home following what may have been an argument between the victim and suspect.

The victim was brought to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and was last believed to be in serious condition. A youth has been arrested in connection with that incident and Adams said charges are likely pending.

Police also responded to a call that an SUV was on fire at approximately 5:30 a.m. at Hillcrest Park. Few other details are known at this time, but police continue to investigate.