Police investigate violent daytime assault at Orillia park, teens arrested

A man was attacked by multiple individuals at Couchiching Beach Park in Orillia.

A violent assault involving several individuals at Couchiching Beach Park in Orillia Monday afternoon has left a young man seriously injured and raised questions about safety in public spaces.

The attack, captured on cell phone video and shared to social media, shows multiple people striking the victim. Police have confirmed he was also hit with what they are calling a glass container.

“The individual was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries,” said OPP Const. Derek Tilley.

Police are still working to determine what led to the attack, but the victim’s mother told CTV News her son was at the park with a friend and may have been trying to de-escalate an earlier altercation near the public washrooms.

On Monday, a 16-year-old girl was arrested near the scene. Two male teens were arrested the following day. Charges laid so far include aggravated assault, two counts of assault causing bodily harm, and four counts of failing to comply with a sentence order. Late Wednesday afternoon, police told CTV News the 16-year-old girl and one male teen had since been remanded into custody, while the other male teen had been released on bail.

Police say one male teen remains outstanding, and investigators have confirmed the suspects are known to police.

The victim has since been released from hospital to recover from his multiple injuries at home.

His mother told CTV News she’s grateful to a bystander who she says stepped in to help her son until paramedics arrived.

The brutal incident has shocked the community and spurred renewed concerns about public safety in city parks.

“It’s totally disgusting what’s happening. The parks are a place for young people to go and feel safe,” said City Councillor Ralph Cipolla, who is also the chair of the Couchiching OPP Detachment Board.

Cipolla is pushing for a meeting with police and the mayor to explore safety upgrades at Couchiching Beach Park, including surveillance measures.

“There are no video cameras here or patrols from the police, and I think that’s one of the criteria we’ll have to look at,” he shared.

The investigation into the assault remains ongoing. Police urge anyone with information to contact Orillia OPP.

The identities of those accused are protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.