A total of 42 charges have been laid in connection with downtown vandalism in Quinte West.
On Thursday morning, Quinte West OPP attended a Front Street business in response to mischief that occurred earlier in the morning.
After an extensive investigation, officers arrested two teen boys aged 16 and 17.
The charges relate to 17 different occurrences in Quinte West, including the releasing of barges on the Trent River, arson, and mischief to a Front Street Coffee Shop.
The investigation also led to mischief allegations against the COVID testing site in Centennial Park.
The youths are charged with mischief endangering life, arson, break and enter and more.
A downtown restaurant owner spoke to Quinte News this week, concerned there was a hate crime element to the incidents, due to his sexual orientation. Homophobic slurs were written on the building
BELOW IS THE MEDIA RELEASE SUBMITTED BY QUINTE WEST OPP
On Thursday December 17, 2020 at approximately 7:30 am, officers from the Quinte West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) attended a Front Street business in the City of Quinte West in response to a mischief that had occurred earlier that morning.
After an extensive investigation officers arrested and charged two young males, ages 16 and 17 from Quinte West in relation to the mischief.
Charges were also laid in relation to 17 other occurrences in the City of Quinte West including the release of barges in the Trent River, an arson and mischief to a Front Street coffee shop and mischief to the Covid testing site.
Charges include:
- Mischief Under $5,000
- Mischief Over $5,000
- Mischief Endangering Life
- Mischief – Interfere with Lawful use, Enjoyment of Property
- Break and Enter
- Arson
The two young males cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Both males are being held for a bail hearing later today.
These incidents remain under investigation at this time.
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