A man is in police custody after allegedly assaulting a local police officer with bear spray.

On August 12 at approximately 11:15 PM, Thompson RCMP received a report of suspicious persons possibly carrying machetes on Juniper Drive in the city of Thompson. Two officers responded and located a group of four individuals matching the descriptions provided.

The officers approached and detained the group, who were questioned in regards to being in possession of weapons, when one of the suspects pulled out bear spray and sprayed an officer in the face.

The 18-year-old male, from Thompson, was immediately arrested by the two officers while the other three suspects fled the scene.

The officer was taken to hospital and has been released.

The 18-year-old male remains in police custody at this time and will face charges of Assaulting a Police Officer, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose and Possession of a Prohibited Weapon.

Thompson RCMP continue to investigate.