Fifth young offender arrested for vandalism at Elliot Lake arena

Police have arrested a 15-year-old in connection with a break-in and $50,000 in damage done to the Centennial Arena in Elliot Lake in September.

Four 17-year-olds were arrested between Oct. 1-3 for the incident into the Spruce Avenue arena, which is undergoing major repairs.

Contractors returning to the site said they noticed extensive damage was done overnight Sept. 27.

"A Zoom-Boom was still running which had smashed into a large structural post, seven large commercial fire extinguishers were deployed everywhere, and all food in the canteen cupboards and refrigerator were damaged and thrown on the floor," OPP said at the time.

Police also released images from security camera footage of a group of suspects wearing all black.

Security camera footage also showed the same group trespassing and trying to break into Central Avenue Public School down the street from the arena.

Centennial Arena has been closed since September 2023 and is undergoing $4.3 million in repairs.

"Five male suspects entered and deployed numerous fire extinguishers inside and vandalized kitchen/canteen," OPP said Sept. 27 in a social media post about the incident.

The latest suspect was arrested Friday around 3:45 p.m., Ontario Provincial Police said in a news release Saturday.

The suspect can't be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

The 15-year-old has been charged with break and enter and mischief over $5,000.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on Dec. 12.