Charges laid in hate-motivated incident on school bus

On November 20, 2024, at approximately 4:47 p.m., in Arran-Elderslie, the South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of an altercation between two students on a school bus.

Police learned that the accused brandished an edged weapon and used racial slurs towards the victim. As a result of the investigation, police arrested and charged a 17-year-old individual with the following Criminal Code (CC) offences:

  • Assault – CC 266
  • Assault with a weapon – CC 267(a)
  • Possession of a weapon – CC 88
  • Uttering threats – CC 264.1(1)(a)
  • Intimidation – CC 423(1)(a)
  • Public incitement of hatred – CC 319(1)

The youth’s identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA).

The OPP does not tolerate or condone acts of hate against a person or property based on race, national or ethnic origin, language, colour, religion or religious dress, sex, age, mental or physical disability, or sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. These grounds are referenced in the Criminal Code of Canada and the Ontario Human Rights Code.

The South Bruce OPP is requesting anyone with information to call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.cstip.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.