A teenager was hospitalized after pepper spray was detected at CF Rideau Centre over the long weekend.
Shortly after 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 3, the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) was called to assist Ottawa Fire Services (OFS) with a suspicious and hazardous situation.
Ottawa police were advised some patrons were having difficulty breathing and a HAZMAT team confirmed pepper spray was dispensed inside the building.
The Ottawa Paramedic Service says a 16-year-old girl was taken to hospital.
Rideau Street was closed for a short period of time while the building was ventilated.
CF Rideau Centre says a group of people deployed the pepper spray, and police say they are still searching for suspects.
Anyone with information who has not spoken to police is asked to call Central District Investigations at 613-236-1222 extension 5166. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS).