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5 teens charged following large fight at Bradford park

Two 15-year-olds from Bradford, a 17-year-old and two 14-year-olds from York Region have been charged

On Tuesday April 13 at 5:45 p.m. police and paramedics were called to Alan Kuzmich Park on West Park Avenue in Bradford after a group of masked youths armed with batons pepper-sprayed and assaulted five youths on the basketball courts. 

Two victims were taken to hospital for treatment and two others were treated at the scene.

Patricia Moss said her 14-year-old son Jacob was one of the victims pepper-sprayed and had to be taken to hospital for chemical burns. He was released and sent home but has to see an eye specialist on Wednesday. 

"A group of people came out of woods with black hoodies and ski masks," relayed Moss. 

She said Jacob did not register the threat immediately until the group of masked individuals moved their way through the basketball court and began spraying everyone standing nearby.

Jacob was chased down and sprayed. His mom said he ended up running onto the road to avoid the attackers and was almost hit by a car, because he was rubbing his eyes, worrying he was going blind.

A couple who live nearby came to help Jacob and called an ambulance and stayed with him until it arrived.

"We knew none of this until he called from hospital 20+ minutes later," said Moss. 

Five male suspects fled on foot through a nearby forest where they were arrested by responding officers.

Two 15-year-olds from Bradford, a 17-year-old and two 14-year-olds from York Region are charged with the following:

  • Assault
  • Carry Concealed Weapon
  • Possession of Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose

All accused were released into the custody of their parents with a future court date. Their identities are protected under provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

South Simcoe Police Service is appealing to anyone with information regarding this incident, including witnesses and anyone with cell phone video or images to contact Constable Jonathan Day at 905-775-3311, 705-436-2141, extension #1432, jonathan.day@southsimcoepolice.ca or contact Crime Stoppers.

Investigators have opened a digital evidence portal where members of the community can upload any photos, video surveillance or dashcam footage relating to the incident. Evidence can be uploaded directly to investigators at the following link:

https://southsimcoepolice.ca.evidence.com/axon/citizen/public/assaultpr21006881



Natasha Philpott

About the Author: Natasha Philpott

Natasha is the Editor for BradfordToday and InnisfilToday. She graduated from the Media Studies program at The University of Guelph-Humber. She lives in Bradford with her husband, two boys and two cats.
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