Thunder Bay, ON – A 17-year-old male has been arrested and is facing several charges in connection with a knifepoint robbery that took place over the weekend in Thunder Bay. The incident reportedly involved two teenage victims.
Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response officers were dispatched to the 1100 block of Arthur Street West shortly after 1 a.m. on Sunday, June 1, following a report of a robbery involving a weapon.
According to initial information, a male suspect approached two youths, brandishing a knife, and stole a bicycle.
Responding officers located a male who matched the description of the suspect. The individual reportedly did not comply with officer demands and fled the scene.
The male was located again nearby, where he was found attempting to break into a residence on Ottawa Street. The suspect was subsequently arrested and taken into custody.
A 17-year-old male has been charged with:
•Robbery
•Mischief under $5,000
•Trespassing at Night
•Resisting a Peace Officer
• Breach of Probation
The identity of the accused cannot be disclosed, in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Youth Criminal Justice Act Protections
Because the accused is under the age of 18, his identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), a federal statute that governs how youths aged 12 to 17 are dealt with in the Canadian justice system.
Under the YCJA, young offenders are subject to a separate legal framework intended to balance accountability with rehabilitation. While the maximum sentence for robbery under adult provisions can include life imprisonment, youth sentences are typically capped at two to three years for serious offences, depending on the circumstances.
However, in cases involving violence or weapons, prosecutors may seek an adult sentence, especially if the accused has a history of prior offences or is close to the age of majority. That determination would be made at a later stage of legal proceedings.
Custody and Court Appearance
The accused has been remanded into custody following a court appearance and is scheduled to appear again at a future date.
