13-year-old boy accused of assault after girl seriously hurt at Port Coquitlam middle school
Posted January 21, 2020 12:52 pm.
Last Updated January 21, 2020 4:53 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
PORT COQUITLAM (NEWS 1130) — A 13-year-old boy from Maple Ridge was arrested after an alleged assault that left a 14-year-old girl bloodied at a Port Coquitlam middle school.
Coquitlam RCMP say it happened on Jan. 10 on the grounds of Citadel Middle School around 3:15 p.m. and started as a verbal confrontation between four boys and a girl. The situation apparently escalated from verbal taunting to the girl using a low level of physical force, which led to the boy hurting the girl.
“There was at one time when a youth male is accused of using an excessive level of force,” says Cpl. Michael McLaughlin, adding the boy was arrested on the scene.
He is accused of assault causing bodily harm and uttering threats.
“There are allegations appearing on social media that directly contradict the video evidence, witness statements, and established facts of this investigation”, McLaughlin says. “There has been a lot of anger directed to the school and police. We want to assure everyone that our first priority is to continually assess the risk and make sure that everyone involved is safe. Now, we ask that you stay patient and avoid judgment until a full and impartial investigation is complete”.
McLaughlin says the girl’s injuries were serious, but not life-threatening.
The boy was released on conditions, though more charges are possible as police continue to investigate. He will appear in court.
Social media posts online are making all kinds of speculation around what happened and McLaughlin says it needs to stop.
It’s completely understandable that people are reacting emotionally to this file, especially since children are involved,
McLaughlin says. But it’s important that we conduct an impartial investigation. We ask that people do not make judgments based on social media posts.
No names will be released since all those involved are youth.
The principal of Citadel says the school is aware of the incident and working alongside the RCMP.
“It is critical that a school and the district work closely with the RCMP to coordinate a joint investigation, but also not to impede or jeopardize any potential legal action,” Abby Soh said in a release, adding the school is unable to comment further.
