Felony Assault Related Arrest

On 9-25-25 at approximately 8:03 am, the Atascadero Police Department responded to a report of an assault that occurred at the intersection of West Mall and Lewis Avenue.  Original reports to the police department reported that a stabbing had occurred. 

Officers responded to the scene and quickly determined no stabbing had occurred, but a 16-year-old male juvenile was suffering from exposure to a pepper spray-type substance.  The victim was treated at the scene by Atascadero Fire Department personnel. While officers continued to investigate at the scene, it was learned that two 9-year-old juveniles were also suffering from exposure at a nearby school.  It was discovered that the two juveniles were in close proximity, but unrelated to the incident that occurred.  The two juveniles were treated by school nursing staff.  The original male juvenile victim was not a student of the Atascadero Unified School District. 

The investigation continued, and a suspect was identified.  At approximately 1:25 pm, a search warrant was served at a residence in the 7700 block of Navajoa Avenue in Atascadero, and Paul Bicente Vasquez, 18 years, was arrested at the scene without incident.  Further investigation revealed the substance in question was a bear repellent spray.  The motive of the assault is still being investigated.  Vasquez was arrested and transported to the San Luis Obispo County Jail on 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.