BRACEBRIDGE – Provincial police have charged three local youths in connection with a spree of vandalism and vehicle theft on Friday.
Bracebridge OPP say they responded to several calls regarding mischief and destruction of property on Oct. 11 in the area of Salmon Avenue, Manitoba Street and McMurray Street.
Vandals had smashed property, including a vehicle, and also entered a recreation centre and caused significant damage to maintenance equipment, police say.
At another residential address, thieves stole a vehicle, police said in a news release.
Officers began collecting evidence, including surveillance footage.
On Saturday 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 before becoming stuck. The driver fled on foot.
Officers contained the area and with the assistance of the OPP K-9 Unit and the OPP Emergency Response Team along with tips from the public, searched the area and located the driver.
A 15-year-old youth from Port Carling, whose identity cannot be published under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, is charged with:
- Mischief over $5,000 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 $5,000 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 Oct. 14.
Two other 15-year-olds were identified and will be facing charges as well, police said.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or crimestopperssdm.com.
