ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – An Ithaca man is accused of spraying someone in the face with bear spray.
On January 13, State Police were called to Winston Drive for a reported dispute.
According to State Police, Arthur Stewart intentionally used the spray on his neighbor in an apartment building staircase. Troopers say the two “have had an ongoing dispute.”
Upon further investigation, it was found that the spray can Stewart was using is illegal for self-defense. In New York, bear spray cannisters must not be larger than .75 ounces, and cannot contain more than .7% capsaicinoids, the chemical compound that gives hot peppers their spiciness.
Stewart was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a noxious matter, which is a class B misdemeanor.
