Atascadero man arrested following bear spray assault

By Atascadero News · Fri Sep 26 2025

ATASCADERO — The Atascadero Police Department arrested an 18-year-old man following an assault involving a bear repellent spray on Thursday, Sept. 25.

Police were called at approximately 8:03 a.m. to the intersection of West Mall and Lewis Avenue after initial reports suggested a stabbing had occurred. Upon arrival, officers determined no stabbing took place, but a 16-year-old male had been exposed to a pepper spray-type substance. The teen received immediate treatment from Atascadero Fire Department personnel at the scene.

During the investigation, officers learned that two 9-year-old juveniles at a nearby school were also exposed to the substance, though they were not connected to the initial incident. The children were treated by school nursing staff. The 16-year-old victim was not a student of the Atascadero Unified School District.

The investigation quickly identified a suspect, and at approximately 1:25 p.m., officers executed a search warrant at a residence on the 7700 block of Navajoa Avenue. Paul Bicente Vasquez, 18, was arrested without incident. Further investigation confirmed the substance used was bear repellent spray.

Vasquez faces three counts of felony assault with a tear gas-type weapon and three counts of misdemeanor child endangerment. His bail was set at $20,000. Authorities say the motive for the assault is still under investigation.