The Russell County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) continues to investigate an incident involving young people.
On September 22, 2020, the OPP Communication Centre received a call from a mother whose child had been assaulted.
The investigation has confirmed that the incident began when one child used a racial slur against another. The exchange then resulted in an assault with one child suffering a non-life-threatening injury.
Under Canadian law, children under the age of 12 cannot be charged with a criminal offence. In this case, the young people involved are nine and ten years old. This does not mean no action can be taken, rather that alternative measures must be explored.
The OPP is committed to working with all parties involved. As in any case involving young children, the OPP is working with its local community group partners, Intersections and Valoris.
The OPP does not condone racism or bias in any respect and we are investigating the events that occurred in this incident. The agency continues to work collaboratively with our communities, support agencies, advocacy groups and educators.
