dailynewsnblog
Hamilton police say a 12-year-old boy has been charged with several crimes after he and an 11-year-old boy allegedly broke into a store and stole bear spray that was later used in an assault on another child.
Police say they responded Tuesday evening to a report of an eight-year-old child being bear sprayed.
Get daily National news
Get daily Canada news delivered to your inbox so you’ll never miss the day’s top stories.
Officers found and arrested the two young suspects, but say the 11-year-old can’t be criminally charged under Canadian law and he was released into the care of a parent.
Police say their investigation determined that the two boys were also responsible for a break-in at a nearby Canadian Tire earlier that day, where they stole bear spray.
Police allege the 12-year-old boy was also involved in a break-in at a vape store on July 1, when thousands of dollars’ worth of vape products were stolen.
He is facing multiple charges, including breaking and entering and assault with a weapon.
Both boys’ identities are protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act and cannot be released.
© 2026 The Canadian Press
