A pair of men in Gravenhurst helped police take down three young offenders who were wanted for a plethora of crimes.
According to a police report Bracebridge OPP officers responded to several calls for service regarding mischief and destruction of property on October 11, 2024 in the area of Salmon Avenue, Manitoba Street and McMurray Street in Bracebridge. Victims reported that suspects had smashed their property, including a vehicle, suspects also entered a recreation centre and caused significant damage to maintenance equipment and at another residential address, stole a vehicle.
Officers began collecting evidence, including surveillance footage and on Saturday, October 12, 2024 just after 3:30 p.m. a police officer spotted the stolen vehicle travelling on Forest Glen Trail in Gravenhurst. As the officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the vehicle attempted to flee, however it became stuck and the suspect fled on foot.
That’s when area resident Roy Armstrong said he and his neighbour became involved.
“The suspect was hiding from the helicopter in a home across the street from me, when he thought the coast was clear he made a break for it,” said Armstrong. “Police had already moved on and that’s when another neighbour and I jumped into action.”
Video taken by Armstong shortly after the takedown shows one of the suspects being restrained, handcuffed and taken away by police. Identifying a young offender is prohibited by law, hence we have not posted the video.
A 15-year-old youth from Port Carling, whose identity is protected under provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, is facing the following charges:
Mischief OVER $5000 CC 430(3) X 2
Theft of Motor Vehicle CC 333.1
Mischief -Obstructs or Interferes with Use of Property CC 430(1)(c) X 2
Mischief -Destroys or Damages Property CC 430(1)(a) X 2
Obstruct Peace Officer CC 129(a)
Dangerous Operation CC 320.13(1)
Possession of Property Obtained by Crime CC 354(1)(a)
Flight from Peace Officer CC 320.17
Possession of Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose CC 88
Break, Enter a Dwelling House with Intent CC 348(1)(a) X 2
Mischief- Renders Property Useless, Inoperative or Ineffective CC 430(1)(b) X 2
Theft Under $5000 from a Motor Vehicle CC 334(b)
He was held in custody and will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice Youth Court in Bracebridge on October 14, 2024 to answer to his charges.
Two additional 15-year-old young people have been identified and will be facing charges as well.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Bracebridge OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or crimestopperssdm.com.
Videos courtesy of Roy Armstrong and our thanks to Muskoka Buzz for background information. Check them out on Facebook for the latest buzz from Bracebridge and Gravenhurst.
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