Two Boys, 12 and 11, Charged in Hamilton Bear Spray Assault and Break-ins

Hamilton police have charged a 12-year-old boy with multiple offenses following an incident involving bear spray and a break-in. The charges stem from an alleged assault on an eight-year-old child, which police responded to Tuesday evening.

According to investigators, the 12-year-old, along with an 11-year-old boy, is accused of breaking into a store and stealing bear spray. This stolen bear spray was allegedly used in the assault on the younger child. Police located and arrested the two young suspects shortly after the incident.

Due to provisions in Canada's Youth Criminal Justice Act, the 11-year-old cannot face criminal charges and was subsequently released into the custody of a parent. The identity of both boys is protected under this act and cannot be publicly disclosed.

Further investigation by the police revealed that the two boys are also suspected of being involved in a break-in at a Canadian Tire store earlier on the same day the assault occurred. Additionally, the 12-year-old faces charges related to a separate break-in at a vape store on July 1, where thousands of dollars worth of products were reportedly stolen. The 12-year-old is facing charges that include breaking and entering and assault with a weapon.