A Newmarket teenager is facing charges after a woman was threatened with what appeared to be a handgun yesterday afternoon.
The 16-year-old male is charged with carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a weapon, using an imitation firearm during the commission of an offence, pointing a firearm and uttering threats, York Regional Police said in a news release.
A male suspect threatened a female victim with the replica gun in the area of Yonge Street and Davis Drive March 30 at 3:28 p.m., police said.
York Regional Police arrested the suspect and seized an air-powered replica gun.
Youth under the age of 18 who are arrested cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
When officers respond to a weapons calls, the firearm is treated as real until an investigation determines otherwise, and there is often no way to know visually until an investigation is completed, police advised.
Replica firearms or toy guns used in the commission of an offence are considered weapons and can be designated as firearms in court, resulting in significant charges, police said.
"Residents must seriously consider the risks and responsibilities involved in owning and using any item that could be perceived as a firearm," YRP said. "For the safety of our communities, we discourage the purchase and use of these items in our region."
You are encouraged to call 911 to report a firearms related emergency.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact investigators at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7141 or leave an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or online.
