An Oshawa youth knife incident has led to three charges against a 13-year-old boy following an altercation with another teenager at a north Oshawa fast-food restaurant. Durham Regional Police say the confrontation happened at approximately 7:50 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, at the McDonald’s restaurant located at 2585 Thoroughbred Street.
Officers from Central West Division responded to a report involving an armed person. According to police, an altercation took place between the 13-year-old and a 16-year-old boy. Investigators allege that the younger teenager displayed a knife and attempted to stab the older youth.
The 16-year-old managed to leave the immediate area and did not suffer any physical injuries. Police say the suspect also left before officers arrived at the restaurant.
Suspect Arrested at Oshawa Residence
Investigators later located the 13-year-old at his Oshawa residence. Police said he was taken into custody without incident.
A search warrant was subsequently executed at the residence. Investigators reported finding the knife they allege was used during the confrontation.
The Oshawa teenager has been charged with assault with a weapon, assault and possessing a weapon dangerous to the public peace. Police said he was held for a bail hearing.
The charges are allegations and have not been proven in court. The accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Because the accused is younger than 18, his identity has not been released. Canadian youth justice legislation generally prohibits publishing the name or other identifying information of a young person being dealt with under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
No Physical Injuries Reported
Although police described the confrontation as an attempted stabbing, the intended victim escaped without being physically hurt. No other injuries were reported in the official police release.
Police have not publicly explained what caused the altercation or described the relationship between the two teenagers. They have also not indicated whether other people were directly involved.
The official release contains no allegation that the knife made contact with the 16-year-old. It states that the older teenager was able to flee before suffering an injury.
Police Seek Video and Witness Information
Durham police are asking anyone with information about the Oshawa youth knife incident to contact investigators. Officers are particularly interested in cellphone recordings, dashboard-camera footage and surveillance video that may have captured the confrontation or the suspect leaving the area.
Anyone with relevant information can contact Detective Constable Keegan of the Central West Division Criminal Investigations Branch at 1-888-579-1520, extension 1805.
Anonymous information can be submitted to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS, or 8477. Police say tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.
People sharing information online should avoid posting photographs, school details or other information that could identify either teenager. Youth justice publication restrictions apply to names and other details that could reveal the identity of a young person involved in a case, including information posted through websites and social media.
Investigation Continues After Oshawa Youth Knife Incident
Durham police announced the arrest and charges on July 30. Their release did not indicate that investigators were seeking any additional suspects, and no further arrests were included in the announcement.
The case will proceed through the youth justice system, where a court will determine the outcome based on the evidence presented.
The Oshawa youth knife incident ended without physical injury, but police continue to seek witnesses and recordings that could assist their investigation. Anyone who was at the restaurant or nearby at approximately 7:50 p.m. on July 28 is being encouraged to contact investigators or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
