Ottawa police are investigating an incident involving a noxious substance released at the Rideau Centre shopping mall on Friday evening. The event occurred around 6:30 p.m. when officers were dispatched to the scene in response to reports of a substance being deployed.

While police have not officially identified the substance, numerous social media posts have referred to it as bear spray. The mall was crowded with holiday shoppers at the time of the incident.

Authorities stated that no injuries were reported, but some online accounts indicated that individuals were affected by the substance. Bear spray, which is a type of pepper spray, is classified as a prohibited weapon under the Criminal Code of Canada.

By the time police arrived, the suspect had already left the area. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to gather more information about the incident and identify any potential victims.

Police are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward as they continue their inquiries into this matter.