Teens charged in assault of 14-year-old

Police have arrested two teens in connection with the assault of a 14-year-old boy at Gage Park last weekend.

Two boys, aged 15 and 16 — both from Hamilton — have been charged with assault, police said Friday.

Thursday’s arrests were welcome news to the victim’s mother, Stacey Worth. “I’m so happy ... and relieved. This is an awesome start.”

The assault took place Aug. 18 during A Midsummer’s Dream, a festival in Gage Park. It was captured on video and shared widely on social media. The video shows boys surrounding the 14-year-old and repeatedly assaulting him. He suffered minor injuries.

Police expect to make additional arrests in the coming days.

Const. Jerome Stewart said there are more people “outstanding” than those under arrest.

Worth said on Facebook earlier this week police wouldn’t lay charges because her son wasn’t willing to support them.

In assault level one, police typically need this support but can proceed without it, Stewart said. “Our intention all along was to hold people accountable.”

The two teens are scheduled to appear in court Sept. 21.

Worth said she remains worried that a shooting early Thursday at the east Hamilton townhouse complex where she lives may have been a message to her family. No one was injured after shots were fired near the parking lot at the 44 Martha St. complex.

Det. Greg Mills said there was no evidence linking the two incidents, also noting the bullets’ trajectory was away from the family’s home.

Anyone with information about the Gage Park assault is asked to contact Det. Const. Ryan Hashimoto at 905-546-2406.