The Hamilton Police Service has charged a 12-year-old boy with multiple offences, including break-and-enter and assault, after a child was allegedly bear-sprayed.
According to police, the incident occurred on Tuesday shortly after 7 p.m. in the area of Upper Ottawa St. and Rymal Rd. An eight-year-old child was allegedly victimized by two male youths who used bear spray.
Officers arrested two suspects nearby, identified as an 11-year-old and a 12-year-old. During the investigation, police alleged that the two youths were responsible for a break-and-enter at a nearby Canadian Tire earlier that same day.
Police stated that shortly before 2 a.m., two suspects forced entry into the store and stole a quantity of bear spray. The identities of both youths are protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act and cannot be released.
The 11-year-old cannot be criminally charged, as individuals must be at least 12 years of age to be held criminally responsible in Canada. The 12-year-old suspect was released into the care of a parent.
The 12-year-old has been charged with break and enter commit, possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, assault with a weapon, administer noxious thing, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and carrying a concealed weapon.
Police alleged that the 12-year-old was also involved in a break-and-enter at a vape store on July 1 during which thousands of dollars worth of vape products were stolen. The youth has also been charged with break and enter commit and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.
The investigation into the vape shop break-and-enter remains ongoing, and investigators believe additional suspects were involved.
Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact the Hamilton Police Service BEAR Unit at 905-546-2991. Those who wish to provide information anonymously can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
