A series of assaults across Peterborough in a single evening has led to charges against several teenagers, including a 13-year-old facing 12 counts.
Police say the incidents unfolded Tuesday, March 24, beginning around 5:30 pm near the food court at Lansdowne Place, where a 15-year-old was assaulted.
About an hour later, a second 15-year-old was lured outside the mall, struck by one suspect and bear-sprayed by another while others watched and recorded the incident. The victim was taken to Peterborough Regional Health Centre for treatment. Investigators identified five young people in connection with that attack.
Later in the night, around 9:00 pm, officers were called to a parking lot on Chemong Road where two masked individuals assaulted a 15-year-old using brass knuckles. The victim was treated at the scene. Police determined the victim was the same person targeted in the earlier assault, and that the suspects were connected to the previous incidents.
As a result of the investigation, a 13-year-old Peterborough male has been charged in connection with all three incidents, including assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm, weapons offences, disguise with intent and failing to comply with probation orders. The accused was already bound by two probation orders, including conditions not to contact one of the co-accused and not to possess weapons.
An 18-year-old Peterborough male is charged in connection with the second and third incidents with offences including assault, assault with a weapon and weapons-related charges.
A 15-year-old male is also charged in the second incident with assault, disguise with intent and failing to comply with a probation order.
Two additional youths, a 14-year-old female and a 15-year-old male, each face a charge of assault with a weapon as parties to the offence in the second incident.
Three of the accused were held in custody for a court appearance on March 25, 2026. The remaining two were released and are scheduled to appear in court May 4, 2026.
