THEBACHA/FORT SMITH - A Fort Smith man was attacked with bear spray during a reported home invasion last week.

Sgt. Grant Payne of the RCMP said the bear spray caused burning sensations on the face, neck and chest of the victim, but there was no permanent injury. Payne said the victim was in his 20s.

According to the RCMP, at least three men entered the home at about 9:20 p.m. on Aug. 24.

"We believe there possibly was a fourth," said Payne, noting a "person of interest" has been arrested, interviewed and released.

The three men charged so far are Felix Edward Beaver, 22, and Ryan Ivan Shott, 22, both of Fort Smith, and Yellowknife resident Christopher John Wanderingspirit, 32.

They have all been charged with forcible entry, robbery, possession of a prohibited weapon (the bear spray) and mischief.

The accused are scheduled to appear in Territorial Court on Oct. 5.

Home invasions are uncommon in Fort Smith.

"That's a rare occasion in most places in the North, but particularly here," Payne said.

The sergeant declined to say what was stolen during the break-in.

However, he said alcohol was a factor in the incident.