Hamilton police charge youth accused of bear spraying a child

Hamilton police have charged a 12-year-old boy accused of bear spraying a child in the area of Upper Ottawa Street and Rymal Road.

On Tuesday, officers responded to a report of an assault with a weapon around 7 p.m.

Investigators say upon arrival, they learned that an eight-year-old child had been bear sprayed by two male youths. Police quickly located and arrested the suspects nearby, who were identified as an 11-year-old and a 12-year-old.

Detectives say they determined the two youths were also responsible for a break and enter at a nearby Canadian Tire earlier that same day.

Police say the suspects forced entry into the store and stole a quantity of bear spray shortly before 2 a.m.

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. He was released into the care of a parent.

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Police charged the 12-year-old with six offenses, two related to breaking and entering and four for assault with a weapon.

Officers say further investigation revealed the 12-year-old was also involved in a break and enter at a vape store last Wednesday, where thousands of dollars worth of vape products were stolen.

The youth has also been charged with two break and enter offenses in last Wednesday’s ongoing investigation in which detectives believe additional suspects were involved in.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact the authorities at 905-546-2991.

For those who wish to provide information anonymously, Crime Stoppers can be contacted at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online.

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