NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
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York Regional Police has laid weapons-related charges against two youths involved in separate incidents in Richmond Hill involving replica firearms.
On Thursday, Aug. 23, 2022, at approximately 8:30 p.m., officers responded to a weapons call in the area of Taylor Mills Drive North and Bayview Avenue. Upon arrival, police learned a 14-year-old male victim had been walking with two friends in the Yonge Street and Crosby Avenue area when they were approached by two unknown male suspects who began yelling at them. One of the suspects appeared to have a black handgun and shot the victim several times in the chest and hand. Injuries sustained were consistent with that of a pellet or BB gun.
The victim was taken to hospital with minor injuries.
While searching the area for the suspect, officers found an unrelated male person to be in possession of a replica firearm. The weapon was seized and the male was charged.
On Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022, at approximately 8:45 p.m. officers were in the area of Yonge Street and Crosby Avenue for a follow-up investigation to the original weapon report. Police located the male suspect and seized the replica firearm.
The investigation is ongoing.
CHARGED:
- Male, 15, of Richmond Hill
CHARGES:
- Possession of a Weapon
CHARGED:
- Male, 16, of Richmond Hill
CHARGES:
- Possession of a Weapon
- Assault with a Weapon
- Assault
- Use Firearm in Commission of an Indictable Offence
- Person Under 19 - Possess Cannabis
York Regional Police strongly advises the public, especially youth, against possessing replica firearms, such as BB guns, air guns, gel guns, pellet guns and toy guns. When police respond to any call involving a weapon, the weapon will be treated as real until an investigation can determine otherwise. There is often no way to tell if the weapon is real prior to investigation.
Replica firearms, air guns, gel guns or toy guns used in the commission of another offense are considered legitimate weapons and those responsible will face significant criminal charges.
For the safety of our communities, we strongly discourage the purchase and use of these items.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police #2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7241, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
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