Edmonton Police Charge Four Youth Following Arson and Vandalism Incidents
Edmonton police have taken decisive action against a series of disturbing incidents that targeted religious institutions in the city last fall. Four youth have been arrested and charged in connection with an arson attack at a Catholic elementary school and multiple acts of vandalism at a local church.
Chronology of the October Incidents
The troubling events unfolded over four days in October 2023, beginning with a significant incident at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Elementary-Junior High School. According to police reports, the first incident was reported at approximately 11:30 p.m. on October 19th.
Officers responding to the scene observed three individuals on the school property, with one carrying a gasoline can. Subsequent investigation revealed that fires had been deliberately set in multiple locations including a sidewalk, a dumpster, and various areas of the school field. While no injuries resulted from these dangerous acts, the property damage was estimated at approximately $1,000.
Escalation at St. Clare Catholic Church
Less than five hours after the school incident, at 4:16 a.m. on October 20th, police received another emergency call. This time, the report concerned St. Clare Catholic Church, where three individuals were allegedly throwing rocks and cement blocks at the building's windows.
Upon arrival, officers discovered disturbing vandalism that included spray-painted satanic imagery and profanity covering the church exterior. The damage from this initial church attack was substantial, with estimates exceeding $170,000 in repair costs.
The violence continued just under 24 hours later when, at approximately 1 a.m. on October 22nd, three individuals returned to the same church. They allegedly threw several rocks at the building, causing an additional $20,000 in damage during this second attack.
Police Investigation and Arrests
Following an extensive investigation, Edmonton Police Service officers made their first arrests in January 2024. Two 15-year-old boys were taken into custody and charged in connection with all three incidents.
A 16-year-old male was also arrested and charged specifically for his alleged involvement in the school arson and the first church vandalism incident. These three youth collectively face serious charges including:
- Arson causing damage to property
- Mischief to religious property
- Mischief exceeding $5,000 in value
In a separate development, police also arrested a 12-year-old male who has been charged with mischief over $5,000 in connection with the second incident at St. Clare Catholic Church.
Community Impact and Police Response
Edmonton police have emphasized the seriousness with which they treat these incidents, particularly noting their potential classification as hate-motivated crimes. Such events have far-reaching consequences that impact entire communities beyond the immediate property damage, according to official statements from the police service.
The Edmonton Police Service has reminded citizens that hate incidents can be reported through their online reporting system, while hate crimes should be reported immediately by calling 911 in emergencies or 780-423-4567 for non-emergency situations.
These charges come at a time when communities across Canada are increasingly concerned about protecting religious institutions and educational facilities from targeted attacks. The Edmonton case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing youth involvement in serious property crimes.
