Three teenagers between the ages of 14 and 16 face charges after what police said was a “hate-motivated” assault on another teen earlier this month.
On March 18, detectives from Greater Sudbury Police Service’s Criminal Investigation Division were assigned to follow up on two incidents of assault involving the same teen victim, said police in a news release.
Both incidents took place at the beginning of March, however, the incidents were not reported to police until March 17. Videos of the assaults were posted on social media and depicted youths in two separate physical altercations in the South End of Greater Sudbury.
The videos appeared to have elements that were motivated by hate or bias as the youths involved made various racial references while attacking the teen, said police.
GSPS reported detectives conducted an investigation, gathering multiple witness statements along with information from the teen and family members of the teen, leading to the arrest of three youth between the ages of 14 and 16, all of whom are charged with assault, assault with a weapon, uttering threats and causing a disturbance by fighting.
The youths involved cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act and no information about the investigation that may lead to their identities will be provided.
“The protection of the survivor, their family and adherence to the laws of the YCJA is paramount,” said police.
“Through consultation with the Crown, it has been determined that the charges of assault and assault with a weapon were motivated by hate,” said police. “We will continue to work with the Crown throughout this case while providing support to the survivor and their family.”
The Greater Sudbury Police Service takes reports of hate-motivated crime and hate-bias incidents very seriously and recognizes the impact on and pain felt by community members when there is evidence of hatred, said police.
“We want to assure you that we are committed to investigating these situations thoroughly.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police at 705-675-9171 or Crime Stoppers at 705-222-TIPS, online at www.sudburycrimestoppers.com
