Group of youths charged following alleged swarming at Rideau O-Train station

Passengers wait on the Rideau Station platform for an O-Train along the Confederation Line of Ottawa's LRT system in this undated file photo. (CTV Ottawa)

Ottawa police say charges have been laid following an alleged swarming at the Rideau O-Train station in April.

The incident happened at around 8 p.m. Friday, April 25, according to police, who said a lone woman waiting on the platform was targeted by a group of young people.

Some bystanders intervened to help the woman and were then attacked by the youths, police said.

No injuries were reported.

Ottawa police told CTV News Ottawa that five young people were charged with robbery with intent to steal, assault, and conspiracy to commit an indictable offense. The accused cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Police say additional charges could be laid.

Any witnesses to the incident are asked to contact the robbery unit at 613-236-1222, extension 5116.

In a statement, Chief Special Constable Peter Scislowski said OC Transpo special constables assisted Ottawa police officers in the investigation.

Scislowski says, if someone or something makes you feel unsafe or uncomfortable during your journey, you can:

• approach a Special Constable or OC Transpo employee;
• call 613-741-2478;
• use one of the yellow emergency phones located throughout the transit system; or
• contact 9-1-1 if in an emergency

“Customers who are the victim or witness of a crime on transit property can submit an incident report by calling 613-741-2478 or visiting octranspo.com," Scislowski said.