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Youth arrested in connection to targeted assault of disabled person that was later shared on Snapchat

April 16, 2026   ·   0 Comments

Officers from South Simcoe Police have arrested and charged a youth in connection to what it calls a targeted and disturbing assault on a vulnerable member of the Bradford West Gwillimbury community.

“Over the past several weeks, police have been actively investigating a series of incidents involving social media platforms, including Snapchat, in which a person with a disability was deliberately targeted, harassed, and bullied by a group of youths,” reads a press release from the South Simcoe Police.

“The investigation intensified following the circulation of a video depicting a violent assault on the victim. In the video, the victim was led to a secluded area, where they were subjected to repeated acts of violence while the incident was recorded and shared online.”

As a result of the investigation, a 14-year-old youth from York Region, turned themselves in to South Simcoe Police on April 7, and has been charged with multiple counts of assault contrary to Section 266 of the Criminal Code of Canada.

The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at a later date. In accordance with the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the identity of the accused cannot be released.

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional arrests and charges may follow. Police are urging parents and guardians to speak with their children about responsible social media use, the importance of treating others with respect and compassion, and the serious consequences that can result from engaging in or promoting violent, harassing, or bullying behaviour.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact Police Constable Chelsea Trenouth at 905-775-3311 or email chelsea.trenouth@southsimcoepolice.ca. 

Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). You can submit information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com.

Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display, and you will remain anonymous. 

Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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