An Oshawa imitation firearm incident has led to serious criminal charges for a 13-year-old girl who allegedly brandished a replica weapon during an altercation last week, according to Durham Regional Police.
The incident unfolded on the evening of April 23, 2026, around 6 p.m., when officers from the Durham Regional Police Service were dispatched to the area of Bridle Road and Northern Dancer Drive in Oshawa. Police had received multiple calls from concerned residents reporting that an armed individual was present in the neighbourhood.
Upon investigating the circumstances, police determined that a verbal altercation had erupted between a group of youths in the area. During that confrontation, a 13-year-old girl allegedly produced what appeared to be a firearm equipped with an extended magazine and brandished it toward other youths involved in the dispute.
Witnesses at the scene reported that the situation caused significant alarm among residents and bystanders. The suspect reportedly fled the area on foot before police officers could arrive at the scene. Fortunately, no physical injuries were reported in connection with the incident, though the emotional impact on those who witnessed the event was undoubtedly significant.
A short time after the initial reports, Durham police officers conducted a search of the surrounding area and successfully located the young suspect. She was taken into custody without further incident or resistance. The swift apprehension was credited to the cooperation of witnesses who provided descriptions and direction of travel.
Following the arrest, investigators executed a search warrant at a residential property connected to the suspect. During the search, police allege they recovered an imitation Glock handgun. While the weapon was not a real firearm, police emphasized that imitation weapons can be virtually indistinguishable from genuine firearms and pose a serious threat to public safety, often triggering large-scale police responses and putting community members at risk.
The 13-year-old female, who is a resident of Ajax, has been formally charged with possession of a dangerous weapon. Due to her age, her identity cannot be released under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act. She was held in custody pending a bail hearing.
Durham Regional Police are encouraging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who possesses video footage from the area of Bridle Road and Northern Dancer Drive on the evening of April 23 to come forward. Investigators are particularly interested in any cellphone or doorbell camera footage that may have captured the events. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Central West Division Criminal Investigations Branch at 1-888-579-1520, extension 1805.
This incident comes amid growing concerns across the Durham Region about youth involvement in weapons-related offences. Police have repeatedly warned that the use of imitation firearms in public spaces not only endangers the public but also puts the individuals carrying them at significant risk, as officers must treat all firearms as real until proven otherwise.
