Four teenage boys are facing a number of charges, including assault with a weapon, after a run-in with security at the Forks Market last weekend.

Police officers were called to the busy destination just before 5:30 on Saturday evening for a report of youths fighting with security personnel.

The Winnipeg Police Service says that security recognized several barred youth suspects within the market and told them to leave. In a release sent out on Tuesday afternoon, police allege that the boys were angered by the request, and threatened to assault the security officers.

Police then say that security was escorting the suspects off the Forks property when one of the suspects produced and discharged a canister of what is believed to be bear spray at security and began physically assaulting them. Officers reported no injuries.

As WPS officers arrived the suspects scattered in different directions. Officers arrested four male youth suspects after short foot pursuits in the area of the Esplanade Riel Footbridge. A knife and brass knuckles were recovered from the youths and seized as evidence.

Two 14-year-old males, one 16-year-old male, and one 17-year-old male, all from Winnipeg, face numerous charges, including Assault, Assault with a Weapon, Possession of a Weapon, Carry Concealed Weapon Prohibited Device or Ammunition, Utter Threats, and Breaches.

All four were released through Appearance Notices or Undertakings as mandated by the Criminal Code.