Ottawa police lay hate-motivated charges following attack near Gloucester High School
Ottawa police say six young people are facing charges following an attack last month near a local high school, video of which was widely shared on social media.
Parents in Gloucester and Beacon Hill said they were distraught by the violence that was caught in camera on Sept. 8. Video showed a group of boys punching and kicking a boy on Ogilvie Road, appearing to take his necklace and phone.
The victim is a Syrian immigrant. It was his third day at Gloucester High School.
In a news release Monday, Ottawa police said the investigation was complex and involved the robbery unit and youth officers. Six youths, who cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, are facing what police called “multiple hate-motivated offences, including robbery, conspiracy to commit an indictable offence and intimidation by violence.”
Police said they are continuing to review any hate aspects related to the case and are encouraging witnesses who have not yet spoken to investigators to come forward.
An online petition was launched after the video started spreading on social media, calling on the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) to improve safety at schools and prevent violence against students.
“We'd also love to see actual steps being applied on the ground to ensure this violence never takes place again, and especially not to visible minorities or due to race, religion, gender, or any other distinctions that might indicate vulnerability,” the petition states.
It has received more than 14,000 signatures as of Monday.
In a statement, the OCDSB said the board is supporting the student and family and is thankful for police and witnesses who shared information.
"We know this incident has been a call to action for families and students about efforts to ensure the safety of youths in Ottawa. School staff have worked hard to create positive opportunities and activities for youths at school. The school has also discussed this incident with students and how they can share any issues or concerns with staff," the board said.
Last month, the board launched an anonymous reporting tool that allows allow students to share concerns about the health, well-being and safety of themselves or others.
The board says the reporting tool is monitored by a live operator between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. on school days, and the team is "completely independent" of a school.
"In addition to supporting the Ottawa Police Service with their investigation, the OCDSB has undertaken an internal investigation," the OCDSB said. "In accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act, we cannot discuss individual students or issues involving minors and the justice system. However, our Safe Schools (Managing Student Behaviour) policy provides a framework for situations where students are found to be responsible for acts of violence. The policy establishes a spectrum of progressive discipline measures, up to and including expulsion."
The board would not confirm whether any of the individuals charged were students at Gloucester High School or any other OCDSB school.
--With files from CTV News Ottawa's Colton Praill and Josh Pringle.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.