Man Arrested After Assault with Bear Repellant Spray at Atascadero Intersection
ATASCADERO, CA — The Atascadero Police Department recently conducted an investigation and made an arrest following an assault report on September 25, 2025, involving the use of a spray substance.
The initial report, received at approximately 8:03 a.m., suggested a stabbing had occurred at the intersection of West Mall and Lewis Avenue. Responding officers determined that no stabbing had taken place, but a 16-year-old male juvenile was experiencing symptoms consistent with exposure to a pepper spray type of substance. The victim received treatment at the scene from Atascadero Fire Department personnel. This juvenile was not a student in the Atascadero Unified School District.
During the on-scene investigation, officers learned that two 9-year-old juveniles were also affected by the spray at a nearby school. Authorities indicated these two juveniles were in close proximity to the incident but were otherwise unrelated to the altercation itself. They were treated by the school’s nursing staff.
The ongoing investigation led to the identification of a suspect. At approximately 1:25 p.m., a search warrant was executed at a residence in the 7700 block of Navajoa Avenue in Atascadero. Paul Bicente Vasquez, 18 years of age, was arrested at the location without resistance. Further investigation revealed the substance used was a bear repellant spray. The specific motive for the assault remains under investigation.
Vasquez was transported to the San Luis Obispo County Jail and booked on charges including three counts of felony assault with a tear gas type weapon (21810(g)(1)PC) and three counts of misdemeanor child endangerment (273a(b)PC). His bail was set at $20,000. The police department noted that nearby school operations were not affected, and there is no current threat to the surrounding area.
Photo: Stock Image
