THUNDER BAY – Police have arrested two more suspects in connection with a vicious assault on a youth victim, video of which was widely circulated on local social media channels.
In a release, Thunder Bay Police say they arrested one suspect on Tuesday evening, while two more were charged and appeared in court on Wednesday
Police say they have charged a 14-year-old and a 16-year old with robbery, while a 17-year-old has been charged with robbery and assault with a weapon.
The identities of the accused are protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
All three were released with the promise to appear at future court dates.
The incident took place last Saturday at or near the Mary J.L. Black Public Library parking lot. Shortly afterward police made a plea to the public to stop sharing the video online, citing the youth victim involved.
Sharing the video may also ultimately be in violation of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
The full police release follows:
NEWS RELEASE
THUNDER BAY POLICE SERVICE
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Police have arrested and charged three youths in connection with an assault against a youth victim in the Westfort area that was captured on video and shared via social media.
The Thunder Bay Police Service became aware earlier this week of a video circulating social media showing a group of youths attacking a female youth victim. As a result, members of the TBPS’s Major Crimes Unit began investigating.
The incident was believed to have taken place in the afternoon hours of Saturday, Sept. 18 at or near the parking lot of the Mary JL Public Library. The ongoing investigation led police to positively identify three suspects involved.
One suspect was arrested and charged in the evening hours of Tuesday, Sept. 21. The other two suspects were arrested and formally charged on Wednesday, Sept. 22.
A 14-year-old accused and 16-year-old accused face charges of Robbery. A 17-year-old accused faces charges of Robbery and Assault with a Weapon.
All youths have been released with future appearance dates.
The identities of the accused are being withheld in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
The Thunder Bay Police Service would like to again encourage news media and social media users to consider not rebroadcasting or sharing videos featuring assaults against youths.
Such videos identify, and may further humiliate, youth victims. When charges are applied, the sharing of such videos may also represent a violation of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
