One teenager has been charged and police say two others have been identified and will also be facing charges in connection with a mischief spree and theft of a vehicle in Bracebridge.
On Friday, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to several calls for service regarding mischief and destruction of property in the area of Salmon Avenue, Manitoba Street and McMurray Street.
"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," police said in a news release.
According to OPP, an officer spotted the stolen vehicle travelling on Forest Glen Trail in Gravenhurst on Saturday afternoon. When a traffic stop was initiated, police say the driver sped away, but the vehicle 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," the media release stated.
A 15-year-old from Port Carling has been charged with the following:
- Mischief OVER $5000 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 $5000 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 Monday.
Two other 15-year-olds have been identified, police said, and will also be facing charges.
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.