Police arrested two youths following a Tuesday evening assault in which a replica firearm was fired multiple times.
Thunder Bay Police Service officers with the Uniform Patrol Branch were dispatched to the area of Connolly and McLaughlin Streets at about 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 23 following reports of a weapons call in progress.
When police arrived they learned a victim, a male in his 30s, was walking home from a nearby coffee shop when two youths began following him.
The youths were unknown to the victim. They caught up to and stopped the adult male at the intersection of Connolly and McLaughlin Streets. One of the two youths then produced a firearm, pointed, and fired multiple times at the victim.
It was only after the youth fired the firearm that the victim realized it was a pellet gun and not a real firearm.
A physical altercation followed, and the second youth began to strike the victim. Both accused youths then fled the scene on foot.
A minute later the youths returned, and a second physical altercation took place. At this time a passerby approached the trio and the two youths again fled on foot.
Police learned the youth who originally was in possession of the replica firearm was armed with an edged weapon during the second altercation.
The two accused youths were located and arrested a short time later in the area.
A 15-year-old male has been charged with:
• Assault with a Weapon x 2
• Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
• Carrying Concealed Weapon
• Imitation Firearm: Use While Attempting to Commit Offence
• Fail to Comply With Undertaking
A 14-year-old male has been charged with:
• Assault
• Fail to Comply with Undertaking
Both are scheduled to appear in bail court on Wednesday, Feb. 24. The accused cannot be named in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.