Three Teenage Boys Arrested in Connection to Scarborough High School Stabbing

Three teenage boys have been arrested in connection to the stabbing that took place on November 14 at Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute. The names and identities of the three suspects have not been disclosed under the terms of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Two 14-year-olds boys and one 17-year-old boy have been charged with aggravated assault and possession of a weapon. They were arrested on Monday in connection to the stabbing of a 12^th Grade student in Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute near Danforth Avenue and Birchmount Road. The suspects were scheduled to appear in court Monday morning.

On November 14, paramedics found a Grade 12 student in the office of the school suffering from an apparent stab wound. He was transported to a hospital in critical condition, according to police. The school was placed under lockdown while the police investigated the scene and the students were safely dismissed from the school.

After the stabbing, Toronto Mayor John Tory met with Toronto District School Board and Toronto Police Services to discuss youth violence in the city. He said in a statement, “Specifically, the City will work with the school board to prioritize schools that require enhanced youth programming, mental health and well-being supports as well as food security initiatives in schools.”

It went on to state, “We also committed to increased cooperation in responding to violent incidents, increased access and partnerships with local community-based organizations and the City, and to increased information sharing.”

There have been quite a few cases related to school violence in Canada in the past few months. Last week, a Punjabi teenager was stabbed to death outside Tamanawis Secondary School in Newton, Surrey. The suspect, a 17-year-old Indian-origin student, was reportedly identified by witnesses and soon apprehended. Before that, a student at Castlebrooke Secondary School in Brampton was shot and officers believed it was a targeted incident. The victim had critical injuries but was in stable condition.

Vineet Washington