Latest News

Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION

13-year-old charged, 10-year-old ID'd after robberies

By: Staff Writer

Posted: 10/15/2011 10:49 AM

Police have charged a 13-year-old boy in connection with a series of robberies they say also involved a 10-year-old.

Police say two boys aged 13 and 10 tried to rob a convenience store in the 700-block of Mountain Avenue Wednesday shortly before 10 p.m., but ultimately fled empty-handed. The 13-year-old was armed with bear spray and concealed his identity, police said.

Shortly after, the pair allegedly robbed a discount store in the 500-block of Selkirk Avenue, the 13-year-old again armed with bear spray. They fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.

At around 9:40 p.m. Thursday, police say the 13-year-old held up a Burrows Avenue grocery store, forcing open the locked front door and taking cash out of the till. Police say the female clerk then let her dog off its leash, at which time the boy –- whose identity was again concealed -- sprayed bear spray at the clerk and the dog, causing minor injuries. He left with an undisclosed amount of cash.

The 13-year-old was subsequently arrested and has been charged with three counts each of robbery with a weapon and wearing a disguise with intent, among other charges. He has been detained.

The 10-year-old has been identified but can’t be charged under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.