Three Oshawa teens charged after an alleged assault on a Lakeshore East GO train are facing multiple offences, according to Durham police.
Police say three passengers reported being harassed by a group of five teenage girls while the eastbound train was travelling toward Durham Region on September 12. The group was allegedly drinking alcohol, vaping and disrupting other passengers.
Dispute escalated before Whitby stop
Investigators say one passenger asked the group to be respectful of others. One girl then allegedly made threats and another physically assaulted a passenger.
Before the group left the train in Whitby, police allege that a bottle of alcohol was thrown at the passengers. No injuries were reported.
Following an investigation, officers arrested three girls from Oshawa. Their identities are protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Charges laid against three girls
A 13-year-old girl was charged with causing a disturbance and disobeying a court order. A 15-year-old girl was charged with failing to comply with a probation order.
A 16-year-old girl was charged with causing a disturbance, assault, three counts of assault with a weapon and two counts of failing to comply with a probation order. Police say the 15- and 16-year-olds were already under conditions not to communicate with each other.
All three were released on undertakings. The allegations have not been proven in court.
Investigators are asking witnesses and anyone with cell phone, surveillance or other video from the train to contact Durham Regional Police’s Central West Division Criminal Investigations Branch. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers.
Passengers facing immediate danger on transit should move to a safer area when possible and use the emergency intercom or contact transit safety personnel. The train number, time, direction and car location can help investigators.
