12-year-old charged with attempted murder in Markham shooting

A York Regional Police patch is shown in Aurora, Ont. on Dec. 19, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Arlyn McAdorey

A 12-year-old boy has been charged with attempted murder after a man was shot in Markham last month.

In a release on Wednesday, York police said on Aug. 14, at around 5:20 p.m., officers responded to reports of a shooting in the area of McCowan Road and 14th Avenue.

When officers arrived, they found a man with gunshot wounds. He was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Police say on Sept. 2, the suspect—a 12-year-old boy—was taken into custody by investigators.

He is facing charges of attempted murder, discharge firearm with intent, possession of property obtained by crime and others.

Detectives said at the time of the shooting, the boy was on release orders for unrelated violent offences. He cannot be identified under provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

“Once again, we’re seeing individuals released on bail involved in serious crimes within our community,” said Police Chief Jim MacSween in Wednesday’s release.

“We must advocate for legislative measures which ensure violent and repeat offenders are kept off the streets, while also focusing on rehabilitating our youth, to ensure public safety, to protect our officers and to maintain public confidence.”

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact York police at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7541, or Crime Stoppers anonymously.