Barrie Police Car (from the INDIE FM files)
Two teenagers are facing charges after an altercation at a Barrie park left three people with minor injuries, including a man who was reportedly assaulted while responding to help his son.
Officers were called to Lampman Lane Park in the city’s Letitia Heights neighbourhood at around 6:00 p.m. on Monday, June 22nd. According to witnesses, a 16-year-old and a 12-year-old were approached by a group of male youths, some of whom they knew from school. Police say an argument escalated into a physical confrontation, prompting the 12-year-old to run home and alert his father.
Investigators say the 36-year-old man attended the park, where he was surrounded by the group of youths, who allegedly became increasingly aggressive. Police allege two males repeatedly punched the man before the 16-year-old attempted to intervene. During the incident, one male wearing a black balaclava allegedly produced a drywall saw, chased the 16-year-old and pushed him to the ground.
Officers arrived shortly after the group had left the area. Witnesses provided descriptions of those involved and directed police to a nearby catwalk near Shakespeare Crescent, where several suspects were detained. While searching the area, officers recovered a balaclava and a sheath believed to belong to the weapon, although the drywall saw was not located.
Police say all three victims sustained minor injuries.
As a result of the investigation, a 14-year-old boy has been charged with two counts of assault. A 15-year-old boy has been charged with two counts of assault, assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and disguise with intent.
Under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the identities of the accused youths are protected and cannot be published. Barrie Police are also reminding the public that sharing identifying information about young persons involved in criminal matters, including names, photographs, schools or other identifying details, is prohibited under the legislation.
