On Tuesday, July 7, 2026, shortly after 7:00 p.m., Hamilton Police responded to a report of an assault with a weapon in the area of Upper Ottawa Street and Rymal Road.
Upon arrival, officers learned that an 8-year-old child had been bear sprayed by two male youths. Officers quickly located and arrested the suspects nearby. They were identified as an 11-year-old and a 12-year-old.
During the investigation, officers determined the two youths were also responsible for a break and enter at a nearby Canadian Tire earlier that same day. Shortly before 2:00 a.m., the suspects forced entry into the store and stole a quantity of bear spray.
The identities of both youths are protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act and cannot be released.
The 11-year-old cannot be criminally charged, as individuals must be at least 12 years of age to be held criminally responsible in Canada. He was released into the care of a parent.
The 12-year-old has been charged with the following offences:
Break and Enter
- Break and Enter Commit
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
Assault with a Weapon
- Assault with a Weapon
- Administer Noxious Thing
- Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
- Carrying a Concealed Weapon
Further investigation revealed the 12-year-old was also involved in a break and enter at a vape store, on July 1, 2026. During that incident, thousands of dollars' worth of vape products were stolen.
The youth has also been charged with:
Break and Enter
- Break and Enter Commit
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
The investigation into the vape shop break and enter remains ongoing, and investigators believe additional suspects were involved.
Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact the Hamilton Police Service BEAR Unit at 905-546-2991. For those who wish to provide information anonymously, please consider reaching out to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at Crime Stoppers Hamilton's Website.
- Date modified: