5 youths arrested in CrossIron Mills bear spray robbery

Five youths have been arrested in connection to a robbery attempt at CrossIron Mills mall Thursday that led to six people being treated for exposure to bear spray.

Airdrie RCMPsay tips from the public led to police identifying the boys, who were arrested Tuesday at three locations in Calgary, includingBishop Kidd School.

• Police seek 4 suspects after bear spray discharged in CrossIron Mills robbery, injuring 6

Mounties reported a group of youthsentered the mall's food court and two tried to steal a tip jar from a vendor.

When an employee tried to stop them, one of the teens assaulted him, andanother used bear spray on the employee and a shopper who tried to intervene.

Six people were treatedby EMS and 20 others were affected when bear spray was used by the fleeing culprits.

The group left the mall in asilver Hyundai Elantra with Alberta licence plateBVV 0131 that had been reported stolen.

After their arrests by the Calgary Police Service on Tuesday, the youths were brought to the Airdrie RCMP detachment. Police say criminal charges are pending.

The names of the suspected offenders were not released as all of the suspects are under 18.

Police say the stolen vehicle has not yet been recovered.

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