Hoksida Blacksmith, 19, pleaded guilty on January 22, 2026, to Assault with a Weapon and Failing to Comply with a Release Order in Brandon, Manitoba. The charges stem from an August 2025 incident in which Blacksmith discharged bear spray during a confrontation at a business.
According to the Brandon Police Service, the incident occurred at a business in the 800 block of 1st Street on August 24, 2025. Officers identified Blacksmith using surveillance footage after he discharged bear spray toward a group of three people during an encounter between two groups.
At the time of the incident, Blacksmith was subject to a court-ordered release that required him to reside at a specified address. He pleaded guilty to failing to comply with that release order.
The case has raised concern in the Brandon community because of a recent rise in incidents involving bear spray and other weapons. During the same August incident, police arrested a 14-year-old who was positively identified on video as the person who brandished a machete.
Blacksmith was arrested during a person check near 2nd Street and College Avenue and was held in Brandon Police Service custody following his arrest. He was 18 at the time of the August arrest. Sentencing is expected to be scheduled soon in Brandon Provincial Court.
