Recent Youth Violence Incidents in London Area

Authorities in the London area report that charges have been filed or investigations are underway regarding at least three different incidents involving teenagers this week.

Two of these events took place at local high schools, while one occurred at an arena in St. Thomas, according to police.

The first incident was noted around 1 p. m. on Tuesday at Medway High School in Arva, just north of London’s city limits, Ontario Provincial Police stated.

Officers responded to the school for a disturbance that resulted in a 15-year-old being charged with assault with a weapon and other related offenses.

“The accused has been released from police custody and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice at a future date to speak to the charges,” police said, adding their identity is protected by the Youth Criminal Justice Act and that the investigation is ongoing.

Ontario Provincial Police officers leave Medway High School in Arva, Ont., on Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021, after investigating a series of fights. (Kate Dubinski/CBC News)

“We don’t have any additional details to share about the situation beyond what is included in the release from Middlesex OPP,” an unidentified spokesperson for the Thames Valley District School Board said in an email to CBC News.

The next day, a disturbance involving a group of youths prompted police action at Joe Thornton Community Centre in St. Thomas, according to authorities.

Investigators reported that one person was punched in the head, knocked down, and then assaulted by multiple individuals.

The victim suffered injuries that needed medical attention, and three youths were taken into custody for assault-two males aged 15 and 18 along with a 17-year-old female.

The 15-year-old also faced charges for being intoxicated in public and possessing cannabis while underage.

“All accused parties were processed at police headquarters, released from custody and are scheduled to appear in court at a later date,” police stated.

London police are also looking into an incident at Saunders Secondary School where they responded along with firefighters on Thursday afternoon.

In a statement, officials acknowledged awareness of a video circulating online showing a fight that took place on Thursday at the school.

“We can confirm that members of the London Police Service attended, along with (LFD), in response to the reported incident,” read their statement. No arrests or charges have been announced yet.

Saunders students kept home

Firefighters arrived at Saunders just before 1:40 p. m. due to a general fire alarm but discovered that it had been triggered by a student using a fire extinguisher based on dispatch recordings. Fire crews ventilated the building and cleared out shortly after 2 p. m.

When CBC News visited the school Friday morning, security guards at Westmount Mall next door escorted all students off mall property. They mentioned students weren’t welcome there due to concerns over potential further altercations occurring.

Students at Westmount Mall congregate on the sidewalk after being told Friday to leave the building. (Josiane N’Tchoreret Mbiamany)

“TVDSB is aware of an altercation between students which took place at Saunders Secondary School yesterday afternoon,” read a statement from the school board spokesperson on Friday.

“The students involved in the altercation are not present at school today. These students will face disciplinary measures according to our Code of Conduct followed across all Thames Valley schools.”

The board noted that law enforcement was contacted immediately and investigations are ongoing.
“While this incident remains under investigation families have been informed that extra staff support is available for any student affected by what happened.”

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