Windsor Police have laid a series of serious charges against five local teenagers, one as young as 13, following a disturbing armed assault on a woman in her own neighborhood last week.
Confrontation with a Machete and BB Gun
The incident unfolded on the evening of December 14. According to police, a woman was outside her residence in the 3500 block of Wells Street with her children when a white Dodge Caravan occupied by several males pulled up.
Investigators state that one male exited the vehicle and confronted the woman while armed with a machete. Simultaneously, another passenger inside the van allegedly fired a BB gun multiple times in the direction of the woman and her children.
A Dangerous Pursuit on E.C. Row
After the initial attack, the suspects fled the scene. A witness, who observed the event, followed the Dodge Caravan in her own vehicle in an attempt to assist police.
The situation escalated further when, while both vehicles were traveling eastbound on the E.C. Row Expressway, the occupants of the suspect vehicle allegedly fired the BB gun at the witness's car. The witness then discontinued the pursuit for her own safety. Police confirmed that no physical injuries were reported from the assault or the highway incident.
Police Investigation and Charges Laid
The investigation progressed rapidly. Officers located the suspect vehicle on December 15. The Major Crimes Unit subsequently identified five teenage boys as suspects.
On December 18, three of the suspects turned themselves in at Windsor Police headquarters. Later that same day, officers arrested the remaining two suspects in the 300 block of Jefferson Boulevard.
The accused include a 13-year-old male, three 14-year-old males, and a 15-year-old male. All five face the following charges:
- Assault with a weapon
- Possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace
- Discharge of an air gun with intent to wound
Additional charges have been filed against specific individuals:
- One 14-year-old faces counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and three counts of failure to comply with a release order.
- The 15-year-old male has been charged with three additional counts of failure to comply with a release order.
- Another 14-year-old is charged with three counts of failure to comply with a release order.
- A third 14-year-old male is additionally charged with wearing a disguise with intent to commit an indictable offence.
In accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the identities of the young accused cannot be publicly released.
Windsor Police are asking anyone with further information about this case to contact the Major Crimes Unit at 519-255-6700, ext. 4830. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Windsor & Essex County Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at catchcrooks.com.
