An Ontario family is urging lawmakers to change the justice system to keep repeat offenders in jail after a member of their family was reportedly shot and hurt by a 12-year-old boy who was out on bail last month.
York Region police stated that the young suspect was arrested on Tuesday and charged with attempted murder, among other charges, following a shooting outside a residence in Markham, Ont., on Aug. 14.
Authorities have indicated that the accused was free on bail for unrelated violent crimes at the time of this incident, and they confirmed he was released on bail again Wednesday after his court appearance regarding the shooting charges. Police are also searching for another suspect in connection with the case.
Junaid Razvi shared that his nephew, who is in his early 30s, suffered a gunshot wound to his leg but is expected to fully recover. However, he is still coping with the psychological impact of what happened. The family has chosen not to disclose his name due to safety concerns, according to Razvi.
Story continues below
“He’s traumatized,” said Razvi. “He’s obviously very paranoid with regards to any strangers that might be driving up in the street or any unknown cars that might be driving by, so he’s in quite a state of shock.”
![]()
‘Leave Iran now,’ Ottawa urges Canadians as protests, crackdown intensify
![]()
Greenland, Denmark ‘continue to differ’ with U. S. after White House meeting
“We must advocate for legislative measures which ensure violent and repeat offenders are kept off the streets while also focusing on rehabilitating our youth, ensuring public safety while protecting our officers and maintaining public confidence,” York Region police Chief Jim Mac Sween stated in a press release about the 12-year-old suspect on Wednesday.
Story continues below
Premier Doug Ford has been vocal about issues surrounding Canada’s bail laws. Earlier this week, he reiterated his call for Ottawa to address what he termed “the disaster right now in the justice system.”
“It’s the weak Criminal Code that needs changes from federal government,” said Ford.
This Friday, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced plans for legislation aimed at reforming bail laws next month while revealing he had discussed this topic with Ford earlier that day.
“This government is dedicated to reforming the Criminal Code so those involved in organized crime or gang-related offenses face appropriate sentences without being able to commit another crime one day only then be released back into society,” Carney remarked at an unrelated press conference held in Mississauga, Ont.
For Razvi’s family, these changes can’t come soon enough as they’ve been left feeling uneasy following this shooting incident.
“It’s shocking and disturbing beyond belief. You don’t feel safe anymore.”
p> © 2025 The Canadian Press
Source link
Get breaking National news
For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Razvi expressed it was “mind-boggling” for them to find out that the suspect was out on bail during the shooting and got released soon after being arrested. “For the whole community, for the city to see these kind of serious potential alleged criminals let out so quickly is just something we can’t fathom,” said Razvi, noting how particularly shocking it is given the suspect’s young age. More on Crime More videos He mentioned they’re calling on policymakers to implement changes aimed at preventing repeat offenders from committing new crimes because their family feels “outraged” by Canada’s current bail laws. “I strongly believe that you’re innocent ‘til proven guilty. But we have too many instances where these alleged offenders are immediately granted bail and allowed back into society only to commit more crimes,” said Razvi. This push follows several violent events across Ontario over recent weeks and has led police and politicians alike to call for federal bail reform. Trending Now
‘Leave Iran now,’ Ottawa urges Canadians as protests, crackdown intensify
Greenland, Denmark ‘continue to differ’ with U. S. after White House meeting
“We must advocate for legislative measures which ensure violent and repeat offenders are kept off the streets while also focusing on rehabilitating our youth, ensuring public safety while protecting our officers and maintaining public confidence,” York Region police Chief Jim Mac Sween stated in a press release about the 12-year-old suspect on Wednesday.
Story continues below
Premier Doug Ford has been vocal about issues surrounding Canada’s bail laws. Earlier this week, he reiterated his call for Ottawa to address what he termed “the disaster right now in the justice system.”
“It’s the weak Criminal Code that needs changes from federal government,” said Ford.
This Friday, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced plans for legislation aimed at reforming bail laws next month while revealing he had discussed this topic with Ford earlier that day.
“This government is dedicated to reforming the Criminal Code so those involved in organized crime or gang-related offenses face appropriate sentences without being able to commit another crime one day only then be released back into society,” Carney remarked at an unrelated press conference held in Mississauga, Ont.
For Razvi’s family, these changes can’t come soon enough as they’ve been left feeling uneasy following this shooting incident.
“It’s shocking and disturbing beyond belief. You don’t feel safe anymore.”
p> © 2025 The Canadian Press Source link
