A second male youth, 14 years old, has been charged in connection with recent street robberies involving the use of bear spray. (A 13 year-old male youth has already been charged in connection with the same incidents.)
The robberies occurred the evening of September 17, 2011. At about 5:20 p.m., a group of males, believed to be approximately 14-16 years old, approached three 17 year-old males near Elphinstone and 5th Avenue. The three male victims were sprayed with bear spray and had their bikes taken. At about 7:10 p.m., a 13 year-old male was riding his bike at 8th Avenue and Princess Street when he was approached by a group of males and threatened with bear spray. He also had his bike taken. At approximately 8:41 p.m., a 20 year-old male victim was working on his vehicle in the lane behind the 2100 block of Reynolds Street when he was approached by a group of males. They demanded money and attempted to spray the victim with bear spray before fleeing down the lane.
As a result of investigation, the 14 year-old male faces numerous charges in connection with these incidents. The youth cannot be named under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act. He is charged with two charges of Robbery with an Offensive Weapon [343(d) CC]; Robbery causing Bodily Harm with Intent to Steal [343(c) CC]; Mischief under $5,000 [430(4) CC] and two breaches under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. The accused made his first court appearance on these charges in Youth Court today, September 27, 2011, at 9:30 a.m.
The investigation into these incidents is ongoing.