Sault 13-year-old facing sexual assault, threat charges

A young person sits on the floor in shadow with their head down in this undated image. (File photo/CTV News)

A 13-year-old in Sault Ste. Marie is facing serious charges following an incident reported Saturday evening.

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service said officers were dispatched to the 600 block of Second Line West around 8:40 p.m. on Dec. 6 after 911 operators received a report of a disturbance involving a youth.

Charges laid following investigation

“An investigation revealed the youth had sexually assaulted a victim – also a youth –and verbally threatened an adult victim who intervened,” said police in a news release Monday.

Police took a young person into custody at the scene.

The 13-year-old accused, who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, is charged with sexual assault and uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm.

The youth was held in custody pending an appearance in weekend and statutory holiday court.

Resources for assault survivors

If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:

• If you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety, you should call 911.
• A full list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling can be found at ReeseCommunity.com. Resources in your community can be found by entering your postal code.
• Helplines, legal services and locations that offer sexual assault kits in Alberta, B.C., Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, Ontario and Nova Scotia can be found here.
• 24-hour crisis line: 1-416-597-8808
• Assaulted Women’s Helpline: 1-866-863-0511
• National Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419
• Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: [phone]
• Trans Lifeline: 1-877-330-6366
• Sexual misconduct support for current or former members of the Armed Forces: 1-844-750-1648

Read about your rights as a victim here.