Hamilton Police Charge 12-year-old with Break and Enter Offences, Assault Charges
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On Tuesday, July 7, 2026, shortly after 7:00 pm, 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 am, 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.