Teens face assault with weapon charges after gel-bullet incident
Author of the article:Jane Stevenson
Published Jul 31, 2024 • 1 minute read
Orbeez gun
York Regional Police are warning the community about the use of replica weapons after two male youths, aged 16 and 17, from Vaughan and Aurora respectively, were charged with two counts of assault after 3 vicitms alleged they were hit by gel bullets in two differnt incidents on July 27. Photo by York Regional Police
York Regional Police said two male youths — a 17-year-old from Aurora and a 16-year-old from Vaughan — have been charged with two counts of assault with a weapon.
Cop said that on Saturday at about 5:30 p.m., police responded to two separate weapons calls in the area of Bathurst St. and Rutherford Rd.
In the first incident, a victim was hit with a gel projectile in a parking lot. A short time later in the second incident, two victims were also struck by gel bullets multiple times in the face and head, but no one was seriously injured.
Officers located suspects in a vehicle in the area and charged them.
Police warned the community about the use of replicas or gel guns given an incident on June 24, when they were called to the area of Lady Dolores Ave. and Lady Loretta Lane for a weapons call.
The complainant told officers two teens, dressed in black, had repeatedly shot at her with a gel-bead Orbeez gun. She was not injured and did not want to proceed with charges.
Police located 14-year-old youths and they were given a warning and the gun was seized.
Police warned parents and teens that many replica firearms look identical to real guns. They said officers responding to these weapons calls are often in the position of having to make quick decisions on whether a weapon is real, a toy or a replica, which could have significant consequences.
Citizens should be aware that when police respond to any call involving a firearm, it is treated as legitimate until an investigation can determine otherwise.
To report a possible emergency related to firearms, call 911. For non-emergencies, call 1-866-876-5423, Ext. 7008. Anonymous information can also be sent to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or 1800222tips.ca.
1800222tips.ca
York Regional Police said a 17-year-old from Aurora and a 16-year-old from Vaughan were charged with two counts of assault with a weapon.
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