PETERBOROUGH, Ont. -- Two people are facing charges after police say a man used bear spray to try to fend off a robbery attempt in Peterborough.

It's alleged that a man approached an acquaintance on a city street Thursday and tried to grab him while demanding money.

Police say the other man defended himself by spraying bear spray in his attacker's face, then fled on foot and called police.

When officers responded to the call, police say they found a can of bear spray and a large folding knife in the complainant's possession.

William Cunningham, 24, is charged with possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and unauthorized possession of a weapon.

A second man, Jacob Collins, 26, is charged with robbery and breach of probation.