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RCMP arrest Red Deer man after bar patrons treated for pepper spray

Dozens of bar-goers had to be treated after a disgruntled patron blasted bouncers with pepper spray before fleeing early Thursday.

Dozens of bar-goers had to be treated after a disgruntled patron blasted bouncers with pepper spray before fleeing early Thursday.

The incident happened about 1:50 a.m. at Branley’s Night Club at 6879 50th Ave.

RCMP say three males arrived at the club in the early hours and two were not let in. One male did get inside but was confronted by bouncers because he was carrying an open liquor bottle.

He pulled out pepper spray and sprayed the bouncers and then took off.

About 40 bar patrons were treated at the scene by Red Deer EMS.

RCMP Cpl. Kathe DeHeer did not know how many patrons were inside the club at the time, but the effects of the spray were still evident when police arrived.

“Our members said they arrived and went around (inside the club) they also started coughing,” said DeHeer. “When it’s sprayed in a confined area it quickly affects everybody.”

Within minutes, police got another call that someone had been pepper sprayed at a nearby residence. RCMP were soon on scene and determined that the same three culprits were involved.

The three fled out the back door of the residence when police arrived. An officer chased them on foot to a nearby wooded area and the police dog unit was brought in. One male was tracked down and arrested.

A 24-year-old Red Deer man was taken to Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre for treatment of injuries sustained when he was taken down by a police dog. He was treated and released from hospital and remains in custody.

Charges are expected.

In the aftermath of the incident a number of people involved left. Police ask that any of the patrons treated for pepper spray at the nightclub contact RCMP at 403-343-5575 to provide a statement.