Ontario Provincial Police have laid charges against a 12-year-old youth in connection with a break-in and theft at a business in Petawawa earlier this month. A second youth, aged 11, was identified as involved but was not charged due to being below the age of criminal responsibility.
Early Morning Alarm Leads to Discovery
According to a news release issued on December 23, officers from the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP detachment responded to a security alarm at a business on Petawawa Boulevard at approximately 2 a.m. on December 13. Upon arrival, police discovered clear signs of a forced entry. An investigation confirmed that a quantity of vaping products had been stolen from the premises.
Charges Laid Following Investigation
The subsequent police investigation led to the identification of two youths believed to be responsible. As a result, the 12-year-old has been charged with:
- Break and enter
- Three counts of theft under $5,000
The accused youth was released from custody to a parent and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Pembroke for a future Youth Court date.
Age of Responsibility a Factor
The OPP confirmed that an 11-year-old was also linked to the incident. However, under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, children under the age of 12 cannot be held criminally responsible in Canada. Consequently, the 11-year-old was released without any charges being filed.
This case highlights the protocols followed by law enforcement when very young individuals are implicated in criminal activity, balancing legal accountability with the recognition of juvenile capacity.
