A Newmarket teenager is facing charges in connection to four incidents involving a replica firearm in Newmarket on Oct. 16.
York Regional Police have charged a 17-year-old boy with four counts of assault with a weapon and four counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, a police news release stated.
Officers arrested the suspect after they responded to four separate weapon calls in the area of Davis Drive and Alexander Road, police said in a news release.
Victims reported being shot multiple times by a BB gun fired by a group of teens riding in a grey sedan. No serious injuries occurred.
Under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, youths under 18 who are arrested cannot be identified. The investigation is ongoing, and additional arrests are anticipated. When police respond to any call involving a firearm, it is treated as legitimate until an investigation can determine otherwise, police advised.
Replica firearms, air guns, gel guns, or toy guns used in the commission of another offence are considered legitimate weapons, and those responsible will face significant criminal charges, police said.
“Residents must seriously consider the risks and responsibilities involved in owning any item that fires projectiles,” YRP said. “For the safety of our communities, we strongly discourage the purchase and use of these items in our region.”
You are encouraged to call 911 to report a firearms-related emergency. Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact investigators at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7141, or leave an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or online.
