Bracebridge Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged three local young people in an ongoing criminal investigation.
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.
Officers contained the area and with the assistance of the OPP K-9 Unit and the OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT) along with information from members of the community, conducted a search of the area and located the suspect.
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 X 2
- Theft of Motor Vehicle
- Mischief -Obstructs or Interferes with Use of Property X 2
- Mischief -Destroys or Damages Property X 2
- Obstruct Peace Officer
- Dangerous Operation
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
- Flight from Peace Officer
- Possession of Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
- Break, Enter a Dwelling House with Intent X 2
- Mischief- Renders Property Useless, Inoperative or Ineffective X 2
- Theft Under $5000 from a Motor Vehicle
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.