Two 15-year-old boys from Oshawa are facing charges after Durham Regional Police allege they chased two males while armed with knives in the city’s south end.
The Oshawa knife incident happened at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22, in the area of Glen Street and Malaga Road, according to a Durham Regional Police Service media release issued Aug. 25.
Police said members of Central East Division responded to a call for “unknown trouble” after receiving reports that two males were chasing two other males while carrying knives.
Both suspects allegedly fled as officers arrived.
Police drones used to locate suspects
Durham police said officers used the service’s Drone as First Responder program to help track the two suspects.
The drone helped officers locate both youths, who were then taken into custody.
No injuries were reported to police in connection with the incident.
Police have not released details about what may have led to the alleged confrontation or whether the two complainants and the accused knew each other.
Because both accused are under 18, their names are not being published in connection with the case.
Two 15-year-olds face charges
Police said one 15-year-old Oshawa boy has been charged with obstructing a peace officer, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and failing to comply with a Youth Criminal Justice Act sentence.
According to police, that youth was also subject to weapons-prohibition conditions at the time of his arrest.
A second 15-year-old Oshawa boy has been charged with obstructing a peace officer, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and failing to comply with an undertaking.
Police said the second youth was wanted on outstanding arrest warrants and was also bound by weapons-prohibition conditions when he was arrested.
Both youths were held for bail hearings.
The charges are allegations and have not been proven in court.
Police asking witnesses for video
Investigators are asking anyone who may have information about the Oshawa knife incident to come forward.
Police are particularly seeking cellphone, dash-camera or surveillance footage from the Glen Street and Malaga Road area around the time of the incident.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Central East Division Criminal Investigations Branch at 1-888-579-1520, extension 1705.
Anonymous information can also be provided through Durham Regional Crime Stoppers.
Separate from another recent youth robbery case
The Aug. 22 incident is separate from another recent Oshawa case involving two youths accused in an armed robbery.
In that earlier case, Durham police said officers responded on Aug. 19 to Hillcrest Drive and Dean Avenue after a person who had arranged to buy a cellphone through an online marketplace was allegedly robbed at knifepoint.
Two 14-year-olds were arrested in that separate investigation after police also used the Drone as First Responder program.
Police have not indicated that the two incidents are connected.
The latest Oshawa knife incident remains before the courts, and Durham police have not announced any additional arrests or injuries. The investigation was publicly reported by police on Aug. 25.
